Hi there,

 My beloved 17-to-19 year old male, "Tiger", was recently diagnosed
with cardiomyopathy (heart failure).  He actually seems pretty fine to
me (eating, drinking, playing a little, etc.).  I had no idea he even
had a heart problem but an X-ray taken for another reason happened to
show fluid on his lungs.  The fluid is not actually in his lungs, but
*around* the lungs and heart, pushing on them.  X-rays have shown that
Lasix injections (roughly every 7 to 14 days) have been removing the
fluid pretty well.  An ultra sound revealed that Tiger's heart is only
contracting at 22% of normal.  Yikes.

 My vet consulted with a veterinarian cardiologist (a guy named Dr.
Dillion from Auborn) who was giving a seminar here in Dallas.  He
reviewed all the info and said that Tiger is in pretty grim shape.
Because Tiger hates being pilled, Dr. Dillion recommended that I not put
Tiger through the stress of pilling.  So Dr. Dillion's recommendations
are:

1. Once a week give Tiger a subcutaneous Lasix injection
2. Once a week give Tiger a half an aspirin crushed in food (Tiger will
probably not eat it)
3. Once a day rub some nitro glycerine cream in Tiger's ear

 Given Tiger's age & delicate health, does this sound like a good
plan?  I suppose there are some heart meds (pills) that may help ol'
Tiger's heart a little.  But I tend to agree with Dr. Dillion - I'm not
sure I want to frequently pill Tiger during the last few weeks or months
of his life.  Especially if the pills may not even work.  He hates being
pilled so much.  I'm a little concerned about the daily nitro cream.  I
have heard that cats will become immune to nitro if it is given every
day.  Also, I wonder if the daily nitro will give Tiger a constant
headache, like it often does in humans?!

Thanks for any thoughts,
-Brad
http://www.brushyland.com/cats/