Chris, I'm so sorry. What an awful shock. Gentlest of Bridge vibes to Chelsea, and hugs to you. Diane R.
_____ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chris Behnke Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 8:53 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Sad News & Something to Think About Early Sunday morning, one of my fur-babies passed away from a heart attack. There was no warning, she had never been sick a day in her life. Chelsea was only 4 years old. The vet did an autopsy today and confirmed that it was cardiomyopathy. Basically there was a thickening in her heart walls and her heart failed. She went very quickly and without pain. One minute she was walking, the next she was gone. There was nothing I could have done. Cardiomyopathy is something that is prevalent among Maine Coons and American Short Haired cats and is usually found between the ages of 1 and 4 years old. They are not a lot of symptoms and cannot always be detected before it causes fatalities. Regular vet visits could help to detect it early. Vets can do xrays to see the heart or listen to the heart rate and make sure nothing is unusual. Also, never take for granted the time you have with your animals. I loved Chelsea and she knew it. I didn't get to say goodbye since she went so quick, but at least I know she knew she was loved and treasured. I make it a habit to tell all my animals that I love them everyday. I didn't post this for sympathy, but I wanted to share with you the importance of regular vet checkups. Because I have so many animals, I was told that I didn't have to do regular checkups for all of my babies, I just needed to take them in when they were sick. I now know better. Thanks, Chris No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.22/1111 - Release Date: 11/5/2007 4:36 AM