Asthma in Cats

Most cat owners are not aware that their precious cats can suffer from asthma because it is regarded as a human-only illness. This is not true and many cats suffer from asthma, although it is sometimes mistaken for an upper respiratory infection or a cold. Here are some tips on helping you identify asthma in your cat.

Signs and Symptoms

Asthma affects the lower airways of a cat's lungs. It prohibits adequate air exchange and subsequently manifests itself with several symptoms. Shortness of breath upon brief periods of activity, coughing, wheezing and overall lethargy is a common symptom. Asthma may be cyclic or continuous. It may occur once or rarely with acute attacks or be prolonged requiring constant monitoring and medication indicating a chronic condition.

Diagnosis

If your cat manifests these symptoms, your vet should be consulted and tests need to be done. Commonly a chest x-ray and full examination ensue. Chest x-rays can help in the diagnosis of asthma, heart conditions, and pneumonia. Asthma causes over-inflation of the lungs due to the inability to express the air on their own. It will also show inflammation of the tissue surrounding the lung.

Blood tests may also be performed, including a CBC. High white blood cell counts indicate infection or inflammation due to allergies. During that time, testing for heartworms or other parasites can also be done. Bacterial infections, lungworms, and heartworms can cause similar symptoms and therefore a wash may be performed to obtain tissue from the lungs.

Treatment Options

Treatment for feline asthma usually consists of several therapies. Oxygen and injectable medication may be administered to provide immediate relief. This attempt to stabilize the patient will allow further long-term treatments to be prescribed. Theophylline may be given by inhalers that were designed to fit over a cats face through a mask to relieve the swelling. Anti-inflammatory drugs with steroidal properties are also used. They will reduce swelling rapidly and reduce inflammation in and around the airways. If allergies are involved, steroidal medication will also slow down the immune system to counteract the allergens. Careful monitoring is required for patients receiving these drugs.

Bronchodilators can be administered through inhalers as well. They will dilate the bronchi and allow freer passage of air.

Prognosis

Some cats may have one isolated incidence of asthma and not have another ever again. Others may have a chronic disease and require ongoing medication and treatment. Initial onsets do not necessarily indicate a chronic condition and may be a onetime occurrence caused by external stimuli, parasites, or other invaders.

Prevention

There are preventive steps that can be taken for these patients. Obesity can impair function and the condition may be relieved by weight loss. Cigarette smoke can exacerbate symptoms as well as odors for litter, perfume, or household chemicals. The simple prevention is to avoid obesity, don't smoke around your asthmatic cat, and limit exposure to other odors. Household cleaners may have to be changed to a natural cleaner rather than the one you are using.

Although asthma is a serious condition and can be life threatening, factors that complicate the condition can be avoided. Most acute episodes can be treated successfully and chronic conditions can be treated so the cat has a good quality of life. The most important step is close monitoring by your veterinarian. Subtle changes can be identified and dealt with immediately and your cat can be happier and healthier.

To learn more about how asthma affects cats, visit PetWellBeing's wiki page.

Photo Credit: Maggiejumps