My Maine Coon with heart disease lays head flat. Is it serious?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I’m sorry to hear that Allie Mae was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. It sounds like she is still having some difficulty breathing which can explain why she is reluctant to lay down. Laying down can cause some compression of her rib cage and make it harder for her to breathe. I would recommend having her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible, because it sounds like her heart disease is not well managed. Heart failure causes fluid to build up in the lungs, and this can be life-threatening. She may require further cardiac work up and changes to her medications. I hope this is helpful!

I am sorry to hear that he is so sick. When cats are very sick and dehydrated, especially if their potassium level is low then it is hard for them to hold the head up, it takes too much energy. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This symptom concerns me that he may be gravely ill. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

HI, I am terribly sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine how you must be feeling.. My main suspect is that Oliver could have suffered with heart disease and this has not caused any symptoms until the sudden death, I am ever so sorry for you, sending you lots of sympathy from this side of the world.

If you notice a breathing episode like this again you should videotape it and then get her to a vet for an exam. It could be heart disease or asthma - there is no way for me to tell what is going on based on your description. He would need a vet exam in person and likely some diagnostics to get this diagnosed.

Oh no. Poor kitty. Blood pressure can be affected by either of these conditions, but is impossible to say for sure without getting her blood pressure checked. This is a tough one, because there are so many possible causes for her weakness and slow breathing, but I would have to assume that her underlying heart condition may be the culprit here. Saddle thrombus is also a big concern with cats that have underling heart disease, and can lead to sudden paralysis of the hindlegs, with vocalization (moaning). I know you don't trust the other vets in the area, but it may be worthwhile at least taking her in to see if her blood pressure is indeed the problem. Getting some bloodwork analysis on her may also be indicated, depending on her physical exam findings. We have to keep mind too, that unfortunately CHF patients can only be helped with medication for oh so long, because it does not cure the underlying problem. I hope that Brancinia is going to be ok, but its best to take her in immediately. Waiting for your preferred vet in this situation may be more detrimental to her overall wellbeing than taking her in to determine her current status. I wish you all the best with your furry friend. Take care.

You could ask them if they work with a cardiologist. If she hasn’t yet had an echocardiogram (performed by a cardiologist) that will probably give you the best information. Don’t hestitate to respectfully and politely ask the vet in charge of her case for clarification if you don’t understand what’s going on with her. Sometimes we forget to discuss things in an understandable manner! I am sure your vet would be happy to clarify as best as possible. I’m sorry I don’t have more specific answers, but with complicated cases like hers I really can’t give you a whole lot without knowing the entire story. (Which can’t be done in 500 characters.

I have seen some cats that will eat laying down so that doesn’t seem as concerning. If Mischief seems to be laying down during exercise or is ever panting I would recommend having her examined by your vet to make sure she doesn’t have any respiratory or cardiac problems.