Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Our male cat is 14 years old and has a heart murmur. About 2 weeks ago we noticed he was drooling a bit and suspected he had a bad tooth. Vet did blood work (called geriatic panel) and all tests came back ok. and gave him some antibiotics and recommended an ultrasound because she is worried about him under anethesitc with the murmur and wants to check the heart. Problem is we are so reluctant to take him in again because he just gets so stressed (panting quivering etc.) that we held off on scheduling the ultrasound and wanted to see how the antibiotics went. Well, first week went ok as he seemed to perk up. But 2nd week he started throwing up a bit and also having very loose stools. Now the antibiotics are over and his stool was good yesterday but loose again today. He's eating pretty well and was fine last night but seems very lethargic today and zoned out. His eyes look glassy at times. He ate his breakfast this morning but has been sleeping all day and I'm very worried about him. Other things we've noticed lately is he has a little twitch or shudder in his face and whiskers now and then. He's done that before but we notice more lately. And he also went through a few days of washing his feet alot which seemed odd but that has subsided. Does any of this point to something? Our problem now is we know the vet will want to see him or get the utlrasound done but we just know how stressful it's going to be on him and we worry what might happen. Any thoughts or sggestions would be greatly apprecited! Thanks in advance.

Hi There,

This is a tough one. Ideally, your cat should have the ultrasound, but I understand your not wanting to stress him out.

The problem is that you don't have a diagnosis yet and at this point you don't know why he is acting the way he is. It may or may not have something to do with his heart murmur.

I think if this were one of my babies, I would go ahead with the ultrasound, especially if his teeth are really bad. Usually heart murmurs aren't serious in cats and they can safely undergo gas anesthesia, but your vet is right to be cautious.

Even though bloodwork was done recently and it was ok, I would consider repeating the panel. Not to scare you, but I think there is something going on other than what is obvious, and senior kitties can go downhill rapidly. Vomiting and diarrhea in an older kitty can be very serious and I would want to know the cause.

You can decide to do nothing and just keep your kitty at home. I have done this with easily-stressed out senior cats, but not before I knew what was going on with them.

Another possible option would be to try to find a housecall vet, but they may not be available where you are.

I'll keep your kitty in my thoughts and prayers.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Thank you so much for your response Doctor. This morning he is much brighter and seems happier although it is apparent his mouth is still causing some discomfort.

Last night his ears and whiskers were twitching a little bit like they can when a cat is asleep but he was awake....

Would sedating him before a trip to the ultrasound or the vet be an option?

A housecall vet is something we have looked at but the one we know and would like to use, is away until mid March unfortunately.

We will call the vet when they open and go from there. Thanks again for your input.