American Shorthairs and Their Sneaky Heart Problems
I had no clue American Shorthairs were prone to heart disease. Oliver seemed perfectly healthy.
But apparently hypertrophic cardiomyopathy runs in this breed. Just my luck.
Heart Disease Develops Silently
Oliver's heart murmur was grade 3 out of 6. Not terrible, but not good either.
The vet referred us to a veterinary cardiologist immediately. $450 just for the consultation.
Then Oliver needed an echocardiogram to see how bad his heart disease was. $650 for the ultrasound.
Results showed moderate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. His heart walls were thickening, making it harder to pump blood efficiently.
The cardiologist explained that this condition is genetic in American Shorthairs. Oliver probably had it since birth, but it took years to develop symptoms.
Now Oliver needs heart medication twice daily. Atenolol to slow his heart rate. $95 per month.
Plus quarterly check-ups with the cardiologist. $300 every three months to monitor progression.
The scariest part? Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can throw blood clots. Sudden paralysis, extreme pain, often fatal.
Oliver could be fine one day and paralyzed the next. There's no way to predict it.
Now I watch Oliver obsessively. Is he breathing normally? Moving okay? Any signs of distress?
Diabetes Showed Up Later
Two years after Oliver's heart diagnosis, he started drinking water constantly and peeing huge amounts.
Classic diabetes symptoms. American Shorthairs are prone to diabetes too, especially overweight ones.
Oliver had gained weight since his heart diagnosis. Less active because of the heart medication.
Blood work confirmed diabetes. Glucose levels over 400 (normal is under 120).
Now Oliver needs insulin injections twice daily. $120 per month for insulin.
Plus prescription diabetic food. $85 for a bag that lasts two weeks.
Blood glucose monitoring requires regular testing. Glucose meter, test strips, lancets. $200 setup cost, then $50 monthly for supplies.
Managing diabetes with heart disease is tricky. Both conditions affect each other.
Oliver's cardiologist and regular vet have to coordinate his care. More appointments, more monitoring.
Quarterly glucose curves to adjust insulin dosing. $180 each time for day-long blood sugar monitoring.
Dental Disease Made Everything Complicated
Oliver developed terrible gingivitis around age 8. His gums were bright red and bleeding.
But dental surgery requires anesthesia. And Oliver has heart disease and diabetes.
The cardiologist had to clear Oliver for anesthesia. Pre-surgical blood work, chest X-rays, ECG. $380 in pre-operative testing.
The dental procedure itself cost $1,800. Cleaning, multiple extractions, pain management.
Recovery was scary. Oliver's blood sugar spiked from the stress of surgery.
We had to adjust his insulin for two weeks while he healed. Constant blood sugar monitoring.
Now Oliver needs dental check-ups every six months instead of annually. Early intervention to prevent major dental work.
American Shorthairs seem prone to dental problems as they age. Oliver's not the only one with bad teeth.
What American Shorthair Insurance Really Needs
Oliver's multiple health conditions taught me that American Shorthair insurance needs to cover more than just accidents.
Cardiac Coverage is Essential
Heart disease treatment is expensive and ongoing. Oliver's initial cardiac workup cost over $1,100.
Then there's monthly medication, quarterly monitoring, emergency cardiac care if needed.
We're spending about $2,400 per year on Oliver's heart condition alone.
Some insurance policies exclude hereditary conditions. But hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in American Shorthairs is genetic.
Find a policy that covers hereditary heart disease. Otherwise you'll pay all cardiac expenses out of pocket.
Oliver's insurance covers 80% of his cardiac care. Without it, we'd probably have put him down.
Diabetes Coverage for Long-Term Management
Diabetes management costs add up fast. Insulin, prescription food, monitoring supplies, glucose curves.
Oliver's diabetes expenses are about $4,000 per year. Every year for the rest of his life.
Many policies have limits on prescription medications or don't cover prescription diets.
But with diabetes, insulin and diabetic food aren't optional. These are life-sustaining treatments.
Look for policies with good prescription coverage and no exclusions for diabetic supplies.
Anesthesia Coverage for Cats with Conditions
Cats with heart disease or diabetes need extra monitoring during anesthesia. This costs more.
Oliver's dental procedure required cardiac monitoring throughout surgery. Extra anesthesiologist, specialized equipment.
Pre-surgical testing is also more extensive for cats with conditions. Blood work, imaging, specialist clearances.
Make sure your policy covers anesthetic monitoring and pre-surgical testing. These aren't luxuries for sick cats.