Diagnosis: Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)

A story from the stylecats® family by Lilian Hecht:

We adopted two OKH cats aged 4 from a small cattery in November 2015. They are a male cat, "Mr Blue" and a female cat called "Cassis". Both have also been featured in the stylecats® photo gallery.

At the time, Cassis was looking for a long time for a place that would be a little quieter, as she has a congenital heart defect. Other cats such as mum, aunts, grandma, potent tomcats and the occasional kitten caused too much unrest. However, she was not to be rehomed alone and was allowed to take her half-brother and best friend, "Mr Blue", with her. It was love at first, second and even ... sight.

Cassis was diagnosed at the age of 11 weeks with a less than favourable diagnosis:

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) AV canal, marked enlargement of the right heart and enlargement of the pulmonary arteries. This is a congenital heart defect characterised by malformations of the cardiac septum and heart valves. Cassis has always had a conspicuous increased breathing and heart rate. She was also the smallest in the litter and had less stamina than her siblings when playing and romping around.

The life expectancy prognosis of the doctors was 2-3 days to 20 years!!! Euthanasia was also offered immediately. This was out of the question for the breeder at the time, as long as there was no obvious suffering. So Cassis was allowed to stay and was well looked after.

When we adopted her at the age of 4, we took both cats to our trusted vet (a large, renowned practice). Cassis had another heart ultrasound and the vet said: "If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe that you can live with a heart like that."

About the medication: Cassis has been given 2.5 mg Dimazon once a day for years to relieve the heart and improve the removal of water from the lungs - no more and no less. She could even be neutered. A doctor at a veterinary clinic in Wiesloch "dared" to do this. However, there is still one major problem. The risk of anaesthesia is very high. Her resting breathing rate is still around 40 breaths per minute.

Cassis turns 11 in August and has been living with us with her Mr Blue for more than 6 years now. She is a great, very lively cat and enjoys excellent health. She is a fresh air fanatic and loves the sun more than anything. Well, like most cats. J

With this report I would like to encourage you not to give up hope in the face of difficult diagnoses. It's always good to get other opinions and to take your own feelings into account. Sometimes small and even somewhat larger miracles do happen.

Best wishes from Pforzheim
Lilian Hecht