All That Is Lizz

Archive for the ‘Felidae’ Category

Our beautiful Bacardi Gold passed on October 17, 2011 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In Maine Coons, it is thought to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. A DNA-based test for the myosin-binding protein C gene mutation, which has been proven to be causative for HCM in Maine Coon cats, is now available to breeders. Among the grieving family members is my husband, Chris; my father, Paul; my mother, Socorro; and Bacardi’s step-brother, Sambuca and step-sister, Margherita. We know he is now playing joyfully at Rainbow Bridge. He was 14 years of age.

Autosomal dominant is one of several ways that a trait or disorder can be passed down through families. If a disease is autosomal dominant, it means you only need to get the abnormal gene from one parent in order for you to inherit the disease… The abnormal gene “dominates” the pair of genes. If just one parent has a dominant gene defect, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the disorder. – MedlinePlus

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• Maine Coon Cats (amipourlavie.wordpress.com)

♫ Margherita’s going to glow in the dark! ♫

♫ Margherita’s going to glow in the dark! ♫

It all started about a month ago, when she started vomiting and losing weight. The strange thing is that she still was full of energy. Apparently, those are the exact symptoms of Feline Hyperthyroidism.

After a trip to the Emergency Vet Hospital, and another trip to her own Vet, it was decided to give her medication for the condition. All medications failed, as she was extremely allergic. The poor little thing broke out in hives, and was so miserable. So, on to plan B.

She’ll be in the pet hospital for a week getting her Radioactive Iodine I-131 treatment for Hyperthyroidism. It should be a permanent cure.

So, stay tuned for more ‘glowing’ reports!

Related articles

• Symptoms and Treatment of Hyperthyroidism in Cats (brighthub.com)

After writing to Wellness with the news of Margherita, I received the following…

Dear Elizabeth:

Thank you for taking the time to write about Wellness® Core Cat.

We love hearing stories like yours, and we are so happy to hear about your pet’s improvement because it is, after all, all about the pets.

For being so kind and sharing your good news with us, I am putting some complimentary coupons in the mail for you.

Thanks again for contacting us.

Heather
Representative
Consumer Affairs

Margherita had her last insulin shot on April 3, 2008. Since that date she has been honeym**ning! Let’s hope and pray that she continues with that trend.

We attribute most of the success to her change of diet. Unfortunately, Rita would rather starve than eat canned cat food. So, the alternative has always been to find a good dry cat food for the feline diabetic. Formerly, she was eating Purina DM Dry, which regulated her to some extend, but she still needed insulin. The last few months she has been eating Wellness Core Dry. WOW! What a difference. Thanks Wellness!!!

All is well in Bacardi land… He has gained back the weight that he lost (and then some!), and it looks like the antibiotics did the trick. He looks healthier than ever. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers!