As those of you who regularly visit the site know, we have been treating Vilnius, our therapy cat, for a serious heart condition we discovered when we took him to the veterinarian's for a routine dental cleaning. The cardiac team at VCA Montgomery has completed a more detailed diagnosis, and our loving little boy has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a serious and progressive heart disease. Although there is no known cure for this disease, which is believed to be genetic in origin, it is possible for animals to live with it for years if given proper care.

After talking to the doctors, we are planning to go forward with Vilnius' dental work, using a special anesthetic that is gentle on the heart. We feel that cleaning his teeth and protecting his gums is important to his comfort and quality of life. After this, we will be taking him in for checkups, including another electrocardiogram in six months, and begin treatment to prolong his life when the doctors feel it is time.

We wish to thank all of you who have contributed to his care, and encourage everyone to continue supporting us in our work with Vilnius and other lost and abandoned cats.