Hi! We're Mango's moms, Steph and Nadia. She has been with us for the
past 6 years, through moving from DC to Jacksonville, our engagement,
and all the other ups and downs of life. Mango has been our rock, and
someone who will always hop on our laps purring for cuddles after a
long day. We love her and always do our best to keep her fed, happy,
and healthy.
During October of 2023, Mango slipped outside unnoticed and was
lost for 18 days. After we caught her, we took her to the vet, where
we learned that she had a heart murmur. At the time, we didn't think
much of it because they sometimes show up in cats who are dehydrated
or malnourished. We hoped that it would resolve after she recovered.
Nearly 2 years later, the heart murmur is still present. A few
weeks ago, Steph noticed some unusual, labored breathing while Mango
was sleeping on her desk.
Steph called Mango's vet to make an
appointment and was told to take her to the emergency vet right away.
At the emergency hospital, Mango's chest was X-rayed and her heart
looked abnormally large. She was also prescribed pimobendan, which has
thankfully reduced the labored breathing (she now only breathes
heavily when she's excited). We also followed up with Mango's vet
after the emergency visit. Both vets she has seen have recommended an
echocardiogram to move forward with her treatment and find out why
she's having these symptoms.
An echocardiogram is an expensive, but very helpful procedure in
diagnosing cats with cardiomyopathy and related disorders. We want to
avoid more (also expensive) emergency visits, and make sure that Mango
is healthy and comfortable for as long as possible. With your help, we
can get Mango the care she needs.
Our goal is the amount we were quoted for the echocardiogram.
Anything beyond the goal will be put towards other veterinary care for Mango.
*As for the onesies, she wears them because she overgrooms her
belly without them, to the point that she pulls out her fur and
scratches her skin. We don't know if this is related to her heart
problems, a behavioral issue, or something else. Her vet is aware and
working on a more permanent solution. In the meantime, we've been
preventing it with the onesies, and her fur is starting to grow back.*
