The Signs Of Feline Asthma

Cats with asthma are a common, chronic lung disease involving the lower airway, including bronchi and bronchioles. The parents commonly mistake the disease for hairballs. Cats with asthma may have an acute episode of difficulty breathing, which can be life-threatening. They can also have a nonproductive chronic cough. If left untreated, it can shorten your cat's life.

The common name is known by asthma, the scientific name goes by Feline Bronchial Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Cats of all ages are susceptible to feline asthma. Usually the cat has no other major signs of illness, a normal temperature, and continues to eat well. The only significant sign is that she just has fits of deep, moist-sounding coughing or wheezing.

About one percent of cats develop asthma, but the condition is becoming more common because of an increase of exposure to environmental pollutants. The Siamese cat population ranges up to 5 percent.

Chronic coughing, acute onset of difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, exercise intolerance. Some causes are inhaled irritants and allergens such as cigarette smoke, dust, perfume, mold, mildew, dust, dust mites, food, stress, candles and household products. Areas most affected are lungs, and lower airways. It is extremely important to reduce inhaled irritants in your cats home. Severely asthmatic cats should not be in a household with smokers.

A physical exam and x-rays will further diagnose if your cat has been affected by feline asthma. Blood tests are the quickest and easiest, and will detect infection, which commonly accompanies asthmatic bronchitis. They will detect macrophages, esoinophils, neutrophils, and mast cells, which are types of blood cells that help constitute the immune system. And blood work is also useful in eliminating other diseases with the same symptoms.

Asthma is thought to be an allergic or immune-mediated reaction in the airways caused by inhaled irritants. The airways become thickened, and there is an increase in mucus production, which makes it more difficult for your cat to breathe. Although a specific cause cannot always be found, many asthmatic cats live in a household with people who smoke.

It's a good idea to use plain, natural, unscented litter and to stay away from deodorizers you add to your cats litter box. You could use recycled newspaper or organic litter in the box instead.

If using cleaning products in the presence of your cat, it would be a good idea to put your cat in a seperate room to avoid them from inhaling the chemicals.

Your cat should be removed from any home with construction or painting until the project is completed. Incense, scented candles and perfumes should be kept to a minimum.

If your cat has been diagnoseed with asthma by a veterinarian, a treatment plan should be set in place. If the cat is healthy, treatment starts with oral corticosteroids, which will help decrease the inflammation in the airway. If your cat is responding well to the oral steroids, an inhaled steroid, such as fluticasone, is started for long-term management. Inhaled steroids help prevent long-term inflammation and chronic airway changes without the systemic side effects of oral steroids.

If your cat is gasping, falling to its side with its mouth open and its tongue appearing bluish, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. It needs oxygen and rapid-acting broncho dilator medications to stay alive. Veterinarians suggest owners keep special medications at home in case of emergency.

Ethel