Symptoms Of Asthma In Cats
Asthma In Cats
Much like human asthma, feline asthma is an allergen-caused upper respiratory condition that causes distressed breathing. It is also called bronchitis or feline bronchial disease. Bronchial spasms cause the individual bronchi to constrict or tighten, and the resultant swelling of surrounding tissues puts the cat into a full-blown asthma attack.
Humans Give Cats Asthma
Cats are often blamed for triggering asthma attacks in humans, but some researchers are saying it can work the other way around (Image: iStockphoto)
In a complete turnaround, humans are being blamed for possibly triggering asthma attacks in cats.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Hospital for Small Animals in Scotland say cigarette smoke, dusty homes, pollen and even human dandruff can all increase inflammation in feline lungs and worsen asthma in cats.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections may be worsening asthma in some cats according to the preliminary study of 50 asthmatic cats being undertaken by Nicki Reed, the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) Senior Clinical Scholar at Edinburgh University. Identifying the cause of worsening asthma may help improve treatments for up to 10,000 cats.
True asthma, as opposed to bronchitis, normally responds quickly to a combination of bronchodilators, oxygen therapy, and fast acting steroids. Diagnosis is usually confirmed with an xray, and possibly a slide cytology of the airway.
Unfortunately, feline asthma is a chronic progressive disease that cannot be fully cured. Medications can reduce the symptoms of asthma a great deal, but may not be able to eliminate coughing fully. In recent years, veterinarians have found that the most effective therapy for feline asthma may be to use inhalers such as human asthmatics use.
How To Treat Cats With Asthma
Asthma is a chronic breathing problem. Both cats and people suffer from it, but it isn’t contagious. An asthmatic cat (or person) has bouts of extremely difficult breathing called asthma attacks.
Corticosteroid is the most popular treatment of feline asthma. Most kitties are put on an every other day oral dose. The treatment lasts for the remainder of their lives. Kitties with less severe cases may only need treatment during flair ups. Injections can be used in cats that are difficult to pill.
Respiratory Disease In Cats
Articles and information about respiratory disease in felines, including Asthma, Bronchitis, Bordetella, and the common URIs (Upper Respiratory Infections) that can raise havoc in cats.
