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Heart Murmur Stage 5-6

socalirocker

Savannah Teenager
Hi, I have a male F3 savannah I purchased recently and he was possibly diagnosed with stage 5-6 heart murmur. The vet told me he would need to see a specialist to confirm it, and was most likely congenital. That I would need to have x rays, bloodwork, and an E.K.G. The estimate is around $1000. I'm in Orange County, Ca. I was wondering if anyone has info a recommended vet to take him to? Has anyone gone through the same thing? I'm freaked out by the whole situation. He's my first cat, and I love him so much.
 

socalirocker

Savannah Teenager
Yeah, I am looking for a cardiologist. My vet doesn't have the equipment, or specialist. I'll try calling them on monday, thank you.
 

admin

Paige
Staff member
Yeah, I am looking for a cardiologist. My vet doesn't have the equipment, or specialist. I'll try calling them on monday, thank you.

You're welcome...please let us know what happens...in the meantime, someone on here may be able to tell you about a cardiologist as well.
 

Patti

Admin
Staff member
There is a vet cardiologist in the LA area but I can't remember her name off the top of my head. Kristine Alessio who is also on this site can give you the contact info, perhaps you can PM her, or email me privately at patti@jasirisana.com and I will send you her email addy.
 

Trish Allearz

Moderator
Yeah, it's Dr Miller and her husband (I believe) is another top cardiologist and he's out of UC Davis.

With a heart murmur of the 5-6 category, I'd say get him into the vet NOW. Some of the milder murmurs can disappear as the kitten can grow out of them, but if your vet thinks it's that serious, I'm doubtful that it's the type one can grow out of. It might improve if your kitten is indeed a young kitten, but I'm not sure it will fully disappear.
 

Brigitte Cowell

Moderator
Staff member
Dr Miller is the BEST and fortunately for you, socalirocker, she's right there near you! She's really nice, calm and very very good at explaining things so that you will know what is going on.

Your cat needs to see the cardiologist SOON, you need to know what is causing the heart murmur to know how best to manage your cat's condition. Even with dire conditions, with careful medication and monitoring cats can live good lives for some years.

My Bobo (F2) had a very grim prognosis...Dr Miller was the resident at UC Davis when I took him up there years ago, they wouldn't put a time on it but they only gave him 6 months to live... I could tell that was what they were hedging around but Dr Miller kept saying that they believed in miracles. And Bobo WAS that miracle. He lived another TEN YEARS on top of that six months... but died this year of lymphoma. Still, we had those ten years and he had a great ten years that I will always be grateful for.

It IS expensive to do the ultrasounds and testing and medications...but the reward of having your pet be healthy and happy for longer is worth it to me.

I've taken some of my cats down to LA (I'm in San Francisco) just so that Dr Miller was the one that did their heart checks before breeding... she has seen a lot of Bengals and Savannahs in her time and I trust her judgement. Good luck!
 

socalirocker

Savannah Teenager
The breeder I found out has a dodgy record unfortunately. She only sends me short text now, before I bought him she would call me, or answer when I called. Right now he is 6 months old. Thank you everyone for the information. I gave Dr. Miller's office a call today, just waiting on a call back. I'm really fortunate she is down the street from me. He's just the sweetest cat, I'll be sure to get him in as soon as I can.

I'm sorry for your loss Brigitte. I'm glad you had 10 years with Mr. Bobo. It truly is worth every penny getting the best treatment possible for your loved one. Thank you again for helping me find Dr. Miller.
 

NikkiA

Site Supporter
I am so sorry to read this.
Sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way that you and your little guy get the best possible diagnosis.
 
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