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Cats/feline aneurysm; weakened vessel on left side of cavity

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Expert: - 4/25/2011


Question
HI, I TRUST MY VET IMPLICITY.  I JUST DON'T WANT TO CLING TO HIM & BUG HIM.  THE NECROPSY SHOWED HE DIED OF THE ABOVE STATED ANEURYSM.  IF THIS WOULD'VE BEEN DETECTED SOONER, HOW SOON COULD IT HAVE SHOWN UP?  IS THERE ANYTHING I COULD'VE DONE TO PREVENT IT FROM RUPTURING?  IF YOU DON'T MIND, PLEASE BE SPECIFIC AS TO SURVIVAL RATES & PROCEDURE.  HE WAS 11.5 WHEN HE DIED & I AM MISSING MY STUD SO MUCH!
ANY INFO YOU HAVE FOR ME WOULD BE QUITE HELPFUL.  THANKS,
KRISTINA *ALL CAPS DUE TO VISION IMPAIRMENT

Answer
Hi Kristina,


I'm so sorry about your loss. It would have been extremely difficult to detect that aneurysm. The only way something like that could have been detected was while the vet was looking for something else. Aneurysms don't present signs like other diseases do. I had a kitten that had an umbilical hernia. That hernia hid an aneurysm that it died of. Had no clue he had it. Even in humans aneurysms are real killers. They are extremely difficult to find. You don't treat one you have to repair it.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/aorta_marfan/aorticaneurysm.aspx

This link gives you an idea of what has to be done to repair it. And the signs of this type aneurysms are so subtle you wouldn't have noticed them. Don't beat yourself up about this. There was nothing you could have done. You need to focus on the 11+ years you and him shared together. And remember all the love you shared with him. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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