Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat has breathing issues & fluid. Could it be a heart problem?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 6 months old | 7 lbs

My cat has an autoimmune disease, SLE. He had a really bad month. He had fluid on one side of his body and a hard time breathing. We've spent over $6000 on him. Now his vet wants a cardiologist to look at him. He's perfectly fine now. Should we take him to a cardiologist??? Could all his symptoms cause a heart problem??

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By John C. Gicking, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on February 15th, 2018

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a disease that manifests primarily the skin, nose, mouth, tissues around the eyes, and there are bloodwork changes (anemia, low platelet count) that can occur. Fluid build-up in the body (I presume it was in his chest as you mentioned breathing problems) does not occur with Lupus. Your veterinarian is making a good suggestion for wanting you to see a cardiologist. One of the causes of fluid build-up in the chest could be congestive heart failure. There are many things that can cause fluid to build up, congestive heart failure is only one of them While any veterinarian can diagnose and treat heart failure, in complicated cases (as it sounds like Max's case is) getting the assistance from a cardiologist would probably be very helpful. The cardiologist may recommend additional testing such as a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) and possibly other tests as well. It is good that Max is feeling well now but the time to address health problems is when they are recognized, ideally before patients are debilitated from them.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored