Having founded Hairless Hearts UK in January and working hard online to get the right people on board who can drive this project, the first Hairless Hearts UK HCM scanning clinic was held at Lumbry Park in Alton Hampshire on June 7th 2018. It was quite an adventure and I was privileged indeed to be given a tour of the facilities there. I was so very very impressed, and admit that my own heart was fluttery when I was shown the surgical suite. It is scary to think that you may have a pet needing the care that is provided at a place like Lumbry Park but at the same time, also very reassuring.
One of the 4 cats scanned at this clinic was Noodle. I didn't take Prune yet as she is under 12 months old and won't be breeding until next year.
Noodle was under par on the day we visited and so was quite antsy with the cardiologist Dr Luca Ferasin and his able veterinary nurse Jo Farminer. She did some hissing and swearing, however, Dr Luca declared her scan pictures to be "textbook". He could read them clearly and give a very accurate diagnosis during our consultation.
I'm delighted to know that Noodle is free from any sign of having HCM nor does she have any kind of heart defect at all. This scan result gives me the green light to breed from her again this year, hopefully with a better birthing experience that her first time.
The only male scanned that day was Charlie, the Sire that used with Noodle last year and whom I plan/hope to be able to use again. He is also father to Prune and so his result was very important. He scanned clear of HCM (or of any other heart defect) thus giving him the green light to continue as the quality stud he is.
Another of the cats in clinic was Jasmine. She & Charlie are parents to Prune so its reassuring for me to know that Jasmine also scanned clear of HCM (or any other heart issue) meaning both of her parents are both heart-healthy.
This is Noodle's 2018 HCM Scan with my address & personal identifying details obliterated for personal security.
The Prominent False Tendon noted in "other findings" is absolutely normal and is seen in many cats. It is not a defect, nor does it cause or indicate any problem whatsoever.
