Introduction
Introduction
Hello fellow pet enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to my heart, both as a pet owner and a pet science blogger. We’re talking about feline asthma, a respiratory condition that affects our feline friends. As someone who has witnessed the struggles of a cat with asthma, I can attest to the importance of understanding this condition. So, let’s explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for feline asthma, and how it’s similar to asthma in humans.
Which Cats Are at Risk for Feline Asthma?
First, let’s talk about which cats are more likely to develop asthma. Cats between the ages of two and eight years are the most susceptible, with female cats being twice as likely to be affected as their male counterparts. Certain breeds, such as Siamese and Himalayan cats, also seem to be more prone to this condition. Interestingly, feline asthma can occur at any time of the year, with no specific season being a higher risk. It’s estimated that less than one percent of all cats will ever develop feline asthma.
Symptoms of Feline Asthma
Now, let’s discuss the symptoms of feline asthma. The most common symptom is coughing, which can range from occasional episodes to chronic and persistent coughing and wheezing. Cats often stretch their heads forward while coughing, as if trying to expel something from their airways. In more severe cases, cats may experience acute respiratory distress and open-mouth breathing. If the coughing is severe, the cat may even vomit after coughing spells.
Causes of Feline Asthma
The exact cause of feline asthma is still being studied, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. Cats with asthma may have chronic inflammation of the tissues lining the bronchial walls in their lungs. These tissues may overreact to certain allergens, viruses, or infections, leading to increased inflammation and mucus secretion. This, in turn, causes a decrease in airway size and worsening of symptoms.
Allergens and other triggers linked to feline asthma include smoke, insect and hair sprays, dust from flea powders, litter, carpet fresheners, feather pillows, perfumes, and even Christmas trees. Ragweed pollen has also been shown to cause asthma attacks in some cats. Additionally, food allergies, particularly to fish-based foods with higher natural histamines, and bacterial infections like mycoplasma and viruses may contribute to feline asthma attacks.
Diagnosis of Feline Asthma
Diagnosing feline asthma involves a combination of presenting symptoms, chest x-rays, ruling out other causes of coughing, and response to treatment. Chest x-rays can reveal inflammation of the bronchioles in the lungs and other changes indicative of asthma. Since many other diseases can cause similar symptoms, a complete diagnostic workup is usually performed. This may include a blood count, chemistry profile, heartworm check, and tests to determine the presence of other parasites, such as lungworms. Occasionally, a bacterial or mycoplasma culture is also performed.
Treatment of Feline Asthma
The goal of treating feline asthma is to control secretions, improve airflow, and reduce symptoms. Cats with mild disease and occasional symptoms may be treated with weight reduction, allergen avoidance, and reducing exposure to substances that may exacerbate the condition, such as cigarette smoke.
For cats with mild daily symptoms, medications delivered through a metered-dose inhaler are becoming more common. Inhalation therapy allows high concentrations of drugs to be delivered directly to the lungs, minimizing systemic side effects. Inhaled medications also result in faster symptom elimination than oral drugs. Albuterol, a bronchodilator, can be delivered through an inhaler. Sometimes, oral bronchodilators such as theophylline or terbutaline are also used. An inhaled corticosteroid, like fluticasone (Flovent), is often used as well.
Cats with more severe disease may require oral steroids, such as prednisone for 10-14 days until symptoms improve. A cat experiencing a severe attack usually needs to be treated by a veterinarian and may require hospitalization.
The Aerokat is an inhaler specifically designed for cats. It can deliver steroids like fluticasone and bronchodilators like albuterol. Cats may need to be gradually adapted to the inhaler, starting with familiarizing them with the mask and gradually introducing the medication. A prescription is needed for the medications used with the Aerokat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, feline asthma is a respiratory condition that affects young and middle-aged cats, causing wheezing and coughing of varying intensities. Allergens are the prime suspects in causing feline asthma. Diagnosis is based on history, symptoms, x-rays, and response to treatment. Fortunately, asthmatic cats can generally be treated successfully with the right approach and care.
I hope this article has provided