Thank you all

[aWaKeNoW]

for your replies and support about my worries about Dinah and her scary vet visit last week :) I wanted to update all of you on our sweet Dinah. We have visited our SC internal veterinary specialist who ran tests on her heart (ECG and ultrasounds) and found that she has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. She has been put on medications and for the last few days and her breathing has REALLY improved. My husband and I have made sure she is relaxed and comfortable the last few days. The amazing thing is she is almost 'back to normal' in the way she has always acted before the terrible episode at the vets office when we found out that there was a problem. I am just SO relieved that we caught it early..she had NO signs of strain or labored breathing..no signs at all, up until her yearly exam at the vet. My husband and I remain very optimistic about Dinah's health..we just want her to know that she is very much loved and adored while she is here on this earth.

I know some of you have seen these before, but for those who haven't here are pictures of our Dinah...
http://www.catster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=118742

[Branjor]

1. She's a beauty!

So glad she is feeling better and may she be happy and healthy for a long long time to come!

[superconnected]

2. Great news, glad you found the problem and shes getting meds!

[ernstbass]

3. Great news!!

[livetohike]

4. That's great news

:-). The fact that you know what it is and she is being treated, it's something to be thankful for that's for sure.

[Beaverhausen]

5. Yeah! So glad to hear that she is feeling better

It is so hard when our furbabies are sick.

She sure is cute...as are your cute doggies!!!

I :loveya: Dinah, Ace and Abby

[IndyOp]

6. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - that is what my Eli had and he lived for

another 6 years. More importantly, they were good years -- the meds helped tremendously.

I am glad Dinah is feeling better! :bounce:

[aWaKeNoW]

7. Horrible news

Our beloved Dinah passed away approx. 8pm on Tuesday, Nov. 29:cry: My husband and I are just devastated. We were home with her when it happend so suddenly..she started breathing heavily with her mouth open and her pupils were wide. We believe she suffered a heart attack..it took less than a minute before she finally drew her last breath. We just petted her, and kissed her and wrapped her in her favorite soft blanket until she was finally gone. :cry: We buried her under an oak tree in my parents back yard last night and we plan on getting an engraved memorial stone soon. We just miss her so much! We are thankful that with all of the heart testing we had done we found out that she indeed had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and we were able to make sure that that we showed her extra special love and attention EVERY DAY for as long as she was here with us. We are 100% sure that she knew we loved her dearly which makes us feel a little better. Our hearts hurt right now, but our sweet Dinah's doesn't anymore...

[Beaverhausen]

8. Oh, I'm so sorry

:hug:

But it sounds at least like it was quick, she didn't suffer and she was with you when she passed.

I'm so sorry :hug:

[ET Awful]

9. I'm so sorry :(

:hug:

RIP Dinah. :cry:

[SW FL Dem]

10. I am so sorry to hear this

I hope the fact that you know you gave Dinah a wonderful life will ease your pain a little bit.

[Suziq]

11. I Am So Sorry : - {

:hug:

My first doxie Misty had a heart attack 3 weeks before her 14th birthday. She was in the hospital for 3 days before she died. The strange thing is that the thought of her dying never crossed my mind.

I was so pulling for Dinah. RIP sweet kitty.


:cry:

[BrklynLiberal]

12. I am so very, very sorry. There are no words that can make this any easier

At least you were there filling her life with love and good things up to the very last minute.
It is wonderful that you were able to share the time together that you had..... :cry: :grouphug:

[Eurobabe]

13. Oh how awful...sounded like she was on the mend

Things can turn so quick. I am sorry to hear about your beloved Dinah. She has crossed the bridge to be with so many other wonderful DU cats. Sounds like her life was wonderful with you, I hope time eases your heavy hearts. :hug:

[cry baby]

15. Thank goodness you two were there with her to make her as

comfortable as possible. My heart goes out to you and your hubby for the loss of Dinah.

Rest in peace, Dinah.

[Lorien]

17. I'm so sorry for your loss

HCM is such a horrible illness-I lost my beloved Peewee to it two years ago, and I still miss him so. I wasn't with him when he passed, and I've always regretted that he left this earth at the vet's. Dinah passed peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her most. She was a fortunate cat indeed.

Rest in Peace, sweet Dinah. :hug: :cry:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

18. Sad news! So sorry.

:hug:

[regnaD kciN]

19. Oh...she reminds me so much of Katong...

...a stray who showed up, in very poor health, about thirteen years ago. We never were sure whether she was a Siamese or a Tonk, but she looked very much like Dinah. She was only with us for two years, but in that time earned a spot in our Pantheon of all-time memorable "fur people." She died (probably also of a heart attack) in paisely's lap as we were driving her to the emergency clinic, and became the first of our pets to have a resting place in our back yard. :cry:

May Dinah be waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge. :hug:

[virgdem]

14. So sad to hear this news...

I thought that she was on the mend and doing much better. I know its a shock, but at least you gave her a good life right up until the end. I saw her pix on Catster - what a gorgeous cat!!!

RIP Dinah

[Branjor]

16. So sorry to hear this.....

I thought she was getting better...I am so glad you were able to give her extra love and attention every day she was with you.

RIP, sweet Dinah. :hug: