Congestive Heart Failure - Critical

[craZ4HERKIE]

Sending positive vibes for Belle...I'm praying that she pulls through so she can be back with her wonderful people. And although the thought of congestive heart failure is not pleasant....we'll pray that it's something that can be maintained with meds. Please keep us updated. Herkie sends beans and kisses your way.

 

[debbie knowles]

I just can't seem to get little Belle off my mind...I am so glad she is now stable at least and I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers. Such a precious baby. I do hope there is some way to help her. djk

 

[RiggoD]

Albie,

Sorry to hear about Belle but am glad to hear she's at least feeling better.

RiggoD

 

[Albie]

Once again, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. The good news is that Belle remained stable throughout the night. I am very relieved since the vet yesterday said that the next 24 hours are critical for her. She will be seeing the cardiologist at some point this morning and we will know more then. Becky -- the vet feels the congestive heart failure is a symptom of whatever the underlying problem is. They believe her heart has some serious defect which lead to the ventricular tachycardia and the congestive heart failure. My regular vet called this morning and we briefly discussed what our goals are for Belle. Our immediate goal is to stabilize her heart rhythm and bring her home. We cannot let her heart get into this pattern again. Hopefully, the echocardiogram is going to tell us exactly what is going on with her heart so that we can determine a treatment plan. I am determined to give Belle every opportunity for a happy life that we can give her.

 

[Poohsmom]

So glad to hear that Belle is doing better. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. All the kids send her lots of kisses and hugs.

Sue and the kids,Pooh,.Bownser,Dozer & Cissy

 

[Holden's Mom]

I just caught this thread and do hope Belle continues to improve. A cardiologist will be able to detrmine the cause of the heart failure and recommend treatment, so here's hoping for some good news.

I have dealt with congestive heart failure in cats, caused by an enlarged heart. Treatment with meds can lead to a very good quality of life. I can't imagine the anguish with such a young pup and the very thought of congestive heart failure. It seems and sounds so wrong.

Belle and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Do keep us posted.

Pam and Pete

 

[Albie]

We received a call from the cardiologist, and have learned that Belle has dilated cardiomyopathy. We are crushed but I remain determined to give Belle the best possible life for whatever time she has with us. The cardiologist has said that her life expectancy is 6 months- 2 years if she continues to respond to the medications. I will now make it my mission to see that she is here even longer. I am open to alternate therapies, so if anyone knows of anything or can point me in a direction to research this condition, please do so. It is possible that Belle will come home this evening, but it depends on how she responds to weaning off of the IV infusion of heart medication to oral medication. If she is unable to come home today, we plan on going to visit her at some point. The entire family needs to see her and give her some love.

 

[Holden's Mom]

Hopefully Belle responds to the oral meds quicky. My ten year old cat Lewis was diagnosed with congestive heart failure caused by an enlarged heart and given six months to live. Like you I was determined to see him on this earth longer. And I did. Lewis was with us for another 5 years and eleven monoths after the initial diagnosis. Lewis also had IBD so I also had to contend with that problem at the same time.

There are no secrets. Make Belle's days as fun and happy as you can. Don't think of them ending, but enjoy each moment with her. Have a routine, especially with the meds. I never varied the time of giving the meds more than an hour or so. The meds can damage the liver and kidneys, so your vet will likely mention frequent blood work. I tried to give Lewis distilled water with no impurities, but being a cat he drank from everyting but his water bowl. He went to the Bridge because of renal failure at age 16. I miss him so.

Belle is one lucky little girl to have people who will see she gets the best of care.And BTW, she is a very pretty girl.

Keep us posted on her progress.

Pam and Pete

 

[ZachsMom]

Sending some positive vibes and lots of HUGS!!! Stay strong Belle!

 

[haleyandmark]

Aw, I'm sorry to hear of her diagnosis! We are hoping and praying that she comes through strong - I just looked in your gallery and Belle is beautiful! Keep us updated but know we are praying for nothing but the best! Give her lots of love and kisses from us!!