Pets

Cats: asthma and wheezing

Feline asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by sudden episodes of difficulty breathing. Episodes are often triggered by allergies or stress, which cause the airways to constrict. This leads to shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. A low-grade chronic cough may be the only sign, but an acute attack can occur at any time and is a life-threatening event. Affected cats are usually between 2 and 8 years of age. Siamese breeds and females may be more susceptible.

CAUSES

The most common causes are allergies to inhaled substances called allergens in the environment. Pollen, mold and dust incriminate the outside. Tobacco smoke, perfumes, dusty kitty litter, and powdered carpet deodorizers are the most common indoor culprits. Other causes include stress, i.e. new pets moving in, as well as lungworms, including lungworms and heartworms. Bacterial infections often complicate these cases; Secondary bacterial pneumonias are not uncommon in cats or people with asthma.

SIGNS

1. Hairball-like cough, often with shortness of breath. This hairball cough doesn’t bring up any hairballs.

2. Wheezing.

3. Difficulty breathing.

4. Breathing can be slow and deliberate, too fast and shallow.

5. Cats can breathe with their mouths open to help move air through their lungs. Cats normally breathe with their mouths closed.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is confirmed by chest x-rays, which help differentiate it from other diseases with similar signs, such as bronchitis, heartworm disease, and pneumonia. Fluid and mucous samples from the airways may be collected and examined microscopically to help identify the exact cause.

TREATMENT

True asthma usually responds quickly to a combination of medications designed to open up the airways and block the allergic reaction. Severe cases often require oxygen therapy as well. Antibiotics are indicated if there are bacterial infections such as pneumonia.

In an emergency:

* An injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) reverses an asthmatic crisis in 15 minutes.

* Terbutaline is an airway dilator: when given by injection, it opens the airways within 30 minutes.

* Corticosteroids are drugs such as methylprednisone and depomedrol. They act within 48 hours of injection and last 10 to 14 days. This is a viable alternative for some owners unable to give their cat pills. Cats, unlike humans, are relatively resistant to steroid side effects; therefore, this is suitable for long-term management in certain cases.

LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA

Long-term control of asthma involves:

1. Removal of allergens from the environment

has. Use an air purifier, electrostatic air cleaner.

b. Use dust-free, odorless cat litter.

Cons Avoid sprays to control odors.

d. Reduce stress, don’t smoke.

2. Various medications are used to open the airways (Bronchodilators) and decrease allergic reaction (Corticosteroids) similar to those used for Human Asthma.

has. Airway dilators include:

Yo. Terbutaline (Brethine), and

ii. Theophylline (Theo-dur).

These medicines decrease the constriction of the airways and allow air to move in and out of the lungs more easily. Terbutaline is available as an inhalant for humans, and certain veterinarians have devised methods of using it as an inhalant for cats.

b. Cyproheptadine is a drug that decreases the chemical serotonin, which has been shown to be involved in constricting the airways. It is often used in conjunction with steroids and/or in cats that cannot take steroids. Side effects include increased appetite and sedation.

Zamflurkast (Accolate): This is a new asthma drug in humans that is used to lower the dose of steroids needed to control asthma. In cats, this is considered experimental, but initial reports have been good.

d. Cyclosporine – A: This drug is used in human organ transplant patients to modulate the immune response and is quite expensive. Recently, assays have been used in feline asthmatic cases that do not respond to other therapies.

me. Anti-Interleukin-5 Antibody is an anticancer drug that is still in experimental stages for use in feline asthmatics.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

The principles include treating allergies, if any, decreasing airway inflammation, and reducing environmental stress.

* Hypoallergenic diets can relieve asthmatic symptoms associated with dietary allergies.

*Fish Oil: Linseed Oil.

* Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E

* Vitamin B6

* B12 vitamin

* Acupuncture has been effective in certain cases.