11 week old kitten with Level Four heart murmur

Question
First vet visit yesterday for our new eleven-week old siamese kitten.  Told he has a Level Four heart murmur and that we could take him to a cardiologist ($600+) - but that is not in our budget, nor will it ever be.  What now?  I have two young children who already adore this cat, is he going to drop dead on us tomorrow?  Can I expect a shorter life expectancy?  He has plenty of energy, eats well, and is three pounds.  Typical siamese - I've had four of them through my lifetime.  They have all live ten years plus - what about this one?

Answer
Ellen -

Murmurs are graded on the intensity of the murmur - not  always the damage to the heart.  There are many factors that affect the heart and murmurs -anemia, viral or bacterial damage to the heart valves,  etc.    Murmurs that occur due to anemia generally resolve when the anemia resolves; some cats also outgrow murmurs of other originations also.

If you cannot afford a visit to the veterinary cardiologist, make several visits to your veterinarian to follow up on her condition.  It is smart to follow the progression of her disease (whatever it may be).  Your vet can best help you with routine checkups and possibly chest radiographs. Chest radiographs can determine if there is fluid in the thorax and may help determine the overall condition of the heart.

Since heart murmurs are graded and evaluated subjectively, it would be wise to get a second opinion.   Another evaluation would give you the tools to objectively evaluate her condition and help you to develop a thorough treatment plan (if needed) for your pet.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM