| Asthma is not only a human disorder, but is | | | | asthma, although our understanding of the |
| also found in some cats. You should have | | | | causes of clinical feline asthma has been |
| your cat checked by a vet if you suspect this | | | | growing in recent years. |
| disorder. Leaving feline asthma untreated can | | | | |
| result in permanent damage to your cats lungs | | | | Long-term treatment of asthma usually |
| and heart. | | | | includes short or long- term use of |
| | | | corticosteroids (such as prednisone), and |
| Feline asthma is an immune-mediated disease | | | | bronchodilators (such as terbutaline or |
| characterized by symptoms ranging from | | | | aminophyline). While severe "episodes" of |
| infrequent, hairball-like coughing, to sudden | | | | dyspnea can occur, the long- term prognosis |
| onsets of respiratory distress (which | | | | for this disease is generally excellent. If |
| veterinarians call "acute dyspnea"). | | | | diagnosed early, any structural changes to |
| | | | the lungs and airway are usually reversible, |
| Episodes are usually triggered by an allergen | | | | and damage can be minimized. |
| or stress, and can be accompanied or followed | | | | |
| by vomiting, sneezing, or even wheezing like | | | | Recent investigation into alternative |
| a human allergy sufferer. Respiratory signs | | | | treatments for asthma include injectable |
| may be slow and deliberate (more abdominal | | | | steroids (for that patient that simply can't |
| breathing), to fast and labored. | | | | be pilled), Cyproheptadine (formally used as |
| | | | an appetite stimulant), Cyclosporin A |
| True asthma, as opposed to bronchitis, | | | | (limited to severe cases), and |
| normally responds quickly to a combination of | | | | Anti-Interleukin-5 Antibody (still |
| bronchodilators, oxygen therapy, and fast | | | | experimental). |
| acting steroids. Diagnosis is usually | | | | |
| confirmed with an x-ray, and possibly a slide | | | | Removing allergens from the environment (use |
| cytology of the airway. | | | | of an air purifier, dust free and unscented |
| | | | litter, no odor controlling sprays, etc.) |
| Because asthma can mimic other feline | | | | could possibly help to relieve symptoms. |
| diseases (bronchitis, heart disease, | | | | |
| pneumonia), a veterinary diagnosis assisted | | | | Save up to 50% on all your pet care needs |
| by an x-ray is essential. In many ways, | | | | with PetCareRx. |
| feline asthma is very similar to human | | | | |