feline aneurysm; weakened vessel on left side of cavity

Question
HI, I TRUST MY VET IMPLICITY.  I JUST DON'T WANT TO CLING TO HIM & BUG HIM.  THE NECROPSY SHOWED HE DIED OF THE ABOVE STATED ANEURYSM.  IF THIS WOULD'VE BEEN DETECTED SOONER, HOW SOON COULD IT HAVE SHOWN UP?  IS THERE ANYTHING I COULD'VE DONE TO PREVENT IT FROM RUPTURING?  IF YOU DON'T MIND, PLEASE BE SPECIFIC AS TO SURVIVAL RATES & PROCEDURE.  HE WAS 11.5 WHEN HE DIED & I AM MISSING MY STUD SO MUCH!
ANY INFO YOU HAVE FOR ME WOULD BE QUITE HELPFUL.  THANKS,
KRISTINA *ALL CAPS DUE TO VISION IMPAIRMENT

Answer
Hi Kristina,


I'm so sorry about your loss. It would have been extremely difficult to detect that aneurysm. The only way something like that could have been detected was while the vet was looking for something else. Aneurysms don't present signs like other diseases do. I had a kitten that had an umbilical hernia. That hernia hid an aneurysm that it died of. Had no clue he had it. Even in humans aneurysms are real killers. They are extremely difficult to find. You don't treat one you have to repair it.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/aorta_marfan/aorticaneurysm.aspx

This link gives you an idea of what has to be done to repair it. And the signs of this type aneurysms are so subtle you wouldn't have noticed them. Don't beat yourself up about this. There was nothing you could have done. You need to focus on the 11+ years you and him shared together. And remember all the love you shared with him. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen