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Hi all,
I've just been to the vets and discovered that Fred (4 months old) has a Grade 1 heart murmur. I'm quite shocked and scared by the implications of what this will mean, but my vet says that there's nothing to worry about.
Do any of you have experience of heart murmurs in cats (especially Grade 1)? Is this a MC related problem? Should I worry?
Please help!
Luisa xx :sad1:
I don't have any experience of heart murmurs, though Grade 1 is the least severe of the condition. Here is a link which may give you more information, though not specific to MCs. I have been told that they can improve as the kitten grows, and even the more severe murmurs don't necessarily cause major problems for the cat. There is a lot of information on the net, so a bit of surfing would give you more information, then you can speak to your vet if you have any queries.
10 Causes of Feline Heart Murmur - VetInfo
A grade one murmur is pretty slight, and could be just a result of your kitten being stressed at the vets, and a rapid heartrate. At 4 months some kittens do have a barely detectable murmur, which disappears by 6 months or so, up to a grade 3 I would not be unduly worried, *at this age*, however, it should be checked again in a month or two, and of course, keep an eye out for symptoms [unlikely] of tiredness after a little exertion, shortness of breath etc;
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a recognised defect in MCs. 34% of the UK Maine Coon population is said to have it. Sorry don't know figures for anywhere else.
A murmur can be a sign of HCM although not necessarily so but I'd make sure that the baby is thoroughly and specifically checked at least annually.
I have HCM, as far as I know I am still alive and kicking. :rofl: