How do you treat a cat with feline asthma?
To treat feline asthma, veterinarians will usually prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs, with or without bronchodilators to dilate the airways. Both of these types of drugs come in oral, inhaled, and injectable forms.
What do you need to know about feline asthma?
Feline Asthma: What You Need To Know. Asthma is a disease of the lower airways of the lungs that affects between 1 and 5% of cats. Although there is some debate about the definition, most clinicians and researchers agree that feline asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens, particles that stimulate a cat’s immune system.
Can a cat have a hairball asthma attack?
A severe attack of feline asthma may sometimes be discounted as just another hairball attack or possibly choking on a bit of food. Asthma can cause your cat to cough and then it will appear to be fine.
How to treat feline asthma in cats the spruce pets?
Lung over-inflation is also sometimes seen in feline asthma cases. Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL): This can be an extremely useful procedure. It is performed by inserting an endotracheal tube into the cat’s trachea under general anesthesia.
Why does my cat have chronic bronchitis and asthma?
Asthma is usually an allergic condition where exposure to a trigger causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. With chronic bronchitis, there is also inflammation of the airways but this is caused mainly by irritation. Exposure to tobacco smoke and other environmental pollutants is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis.
Can a cat die from asthma?
Asthma can be very serious and some cats die from respiratory failure unless they are given prompt treatment. Even with treatment, the disease can progress. Cats of all ages can be affected. The Siamese breed and obese cats may have an increased incidence of disease.
What causes cat asthma?
Cat asthma typically develops when an allergic reaction to an inhaled allergen causes a kitty’s immune system to overreact. Common culprits include: Smoke (tobacco or fireplace) Kitty litter (dust or scent agents) Household chemicals and aerosols.
What do you need to know about asthma in cats?
Part 1 of 2: Identifying Asthma Monitor your cat. When a cat has an asthma fare up, the cat’s airway will swell and constrict. Watch for symptoms in adult cats. Cats are not typically born with asthma, as it is thought to be caused by an immune response to allergens the cat inhales. Take your cat to a veterinarian. Approve veterinary testing.
Does your cat have asthma?
When asthma is present in your cat, her airways can become inflamed and constricted, and she may experience coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. The disease is fairly rare—it is only found in 1 to 5% of cats. When it is present, though, it is most commonly seen in cats between two and eight years of age.