Ash's
Story
Ash was diagnosed with heart disease on June 14th. To begin, he was breathing weird and coughing so we took him to the urgent vet clinic where they did an x-ray and ultrasound. They saw he had fluid in his lungs and around his heart, and one of the heart chambers was enlarged. They suggested we go to a teaching hospital about 40 min away that had a cat cardiologist. We did and by the time we got there he was in critical condition and was hospitalized for 2 days. They gave him meds that would keep him from getting clots, and drain the fluid in his lungs. We went back for a follow up a week later.
At his follow up he looked great. They said his heart shrunk and the fluid had left his lungs and reduced drastically around the heart. They set a follow up for July 30th and told us to continue the meds.
July 17th he had another coughing fit and started breathing hard, so we rushed him back to the hospital where they said the fluid built up around his heart again, and the chamber had enlarged. He was there for another 2 days. They changed the meds that help get rid of the fluid build up, and started him on an antibiotic as well. They think there is an underlying infection due to an elevated enzyme that was also high when he was there the first time. We are still waiting for results of a blood test to see if he has an infection, and if so what kind.
At his most recent check up on July 30th he had improved once again. The extra fluid around his heart is basically gone. We are optimistic the switch in medication and addition of antibiotics will continue to help. His next check up is August 30th.
Once Ash is stable and we find the medication that works for him, the vet estimates he has another year. If he responds well to medication to manage his condition it is also possible he has longer. Once the suspected infection is cleared we will have a clearer picture on how the medication he is on will work long term.
To some, only a year may not seem worth the continued care and expenses. To us, as long as Ash is happy and comfortable we can not fathom giving up on him. My partner and I will continue to explore every avenue to continue Ash’s care till it is truly his time.
To donate to his Go Fund Me click the link below, every dollar will help:
