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Success Stories: Genie

Happy, Healthy, and In a New Chapter of Her Life

GenieGenie has had her share of health challenges - diagnosed with a heart murmur as a kitten, most likely hit by a car several months later, then diagnosed with congestive heart failure in February 2004. As events played out, Genie found her way to Dr. Luis Braz-Ruivo, an ACVIM cardiologist at Dogs and Cats Veterinary Referral in Bowie, Maryland. The doctor determined that his patient had an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in her abdomen - severely overloading her heart and resulting in fluid build-up in her lungs.

Genie's cardiologist performed a successful surgery in September 2004 and, in the words of her owner: "She has had more than a year and a half added to her life because of the surgery, and we are all enjoying every moment of it."

"A cat has nine lives." We've all heard the expression. The life of Genie, a four and a half year old playful, diluted grey calico is now in her third or fourth chapter. Thanks to her owners, Denise Benoit-Moctezuma and Edgar Moctezuma of Berwyn Heights, MD and ACVIM cardiologist Luis Braz-Ruivo, Genie is doing remarkably well and has even gained her weight back since her surgery. Her heart function is much improved (she takes enalapril once a day) and she gets check-ups annually from Dr. Braz-Ruivo. Genie's owner says it all: "She has brought so much happiness to our lives, and I'm so blessed to have found a wonderful cardiologist."

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