Cat diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure

Question

Yesterday we went to the vet as she was having trouble breathing, the vet said she has congestive heart failure, her lungs were filling with fluid. He gave her an injection and a diuretic pill. They let me take her home. Her nose is looking pinker today, which i believe is good....has anyone else been through this? What are her chances?

Answer 1

I HOPE YOU ARE READING UP ON CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE ON CATS... ON THE WEB.

IT IS A DISEASE THAT IS MANAGED. WITH DIURETICS. BUT UNFORTUNATELY, IT IS FROM GETTING OLD LIKE ALL OF US AND ANIMALS DO.

MAKE SURE KITTY IS NOT STRESSED OUT AND REMAINS INDOORS.  GIVE HIM / HER THE BEST OF THE TIME HE / SHE HAS LEFT.

THIS CAN BE FOR MONTHS, BUT GIVE HER/ HIM ALL THE LOVE YOU CAN.

BEST WISHES.  

Answer 2

I have never been through that before, I hope your cat will be ok, good luck.

Answer 3

I am not a Vet but have worked with many clients in the vet hospitals over 25yrs.

First of all, I am really sorry she is so sick.  I have asthma and know first hand how much it stinks to struggle with any breathing issues.

Each case is very VERY unique.  With the help of modern medicine, I have witnessed some amazing results.  Only you will know when the medications are no longer working.   Give them a chance first but try to think of her life in terms of spending time together in Quality and not Quantity,  Yes, I fully realize how hard that is when you are afraid and your heart is breaking.

My prayers are with you both.

Answer 4

Unfortunately not too good.  Diuretics will help to reduce fluid in her chest, but you'll also need to manage her lifestyle so she doesn't over-exert herself.  Not all cats respond well to treatment (the diuretics didn't help with my cat) so you'll need the vet to assess her after a few days and if she is doing well she'll need regular checkups to listen for fluid in the chest.

I went through this with my ginger longhair.  She had the fluid drained from her chest and was on diuretics and confined to one room to keep her rested while her condition was monitored.  I was warned that the medication wasn't effective for all cats.  Sadly after only a week, the fluid was building up in her chest.  She was also very unhappy at the restrictions on her lifestyle and I had to make the decision to put her to sleep.