Asthma in Cats
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FELINE ASTHMA
Feline Asthma is a fairly common disease condition in the
cat, as it is in humans. The signs of the disease are similar to those seen in
human asthma patients. Signs vary from a mild sneeze or cough to periods
of extremely difficult breathing. Physical exercise will often make the
condition much worse. For this reason, most affected cats spend the majority of
their time resting and not active, since they learn this minimizes the
respiratory signs and discomfort. The exact causes of Feline Bronchial Asthma
are not known. The suggested cause in most cases is allergy.
Allergies can develop to many
things such as pollens, molds, foods, dust, and chemicals that are inhaled. The
allergic reaction within the body causes a narrowing (constriction) of the
small air passages within the lungs. This results in a lack of air being able
to get into the lungs supplying oxygen to the body. Recurrent attacks are
common. Time between attacks varies greatly. There is NO way to predict when or
how severe the attack will be.
Allergy testing is recommended for
cats that suffer recurrent attacks, to determine if the offending cause can be
eliminated from the environment. The cat may also be desensitized through
immunization, similar to human allergy therapy. Once the substances causing the
allergy, called allergens, are identified through blood or skin testing, an
extract of these allergens is prepared. Injections of this extract bind to the
allergens in the cat’s system and reduce the symptoms of the disease.
Treatment varies with the severity
of the problem. Besides allergen extracts, steroids (cortisone-like drugs) are
used to decrease the allergic response and bronchodilators such as
aminophylline are used to open the airways. Treatment may be needed only
sporadically if asthma attacks are occurring rarely, or continually if attacks
are frequent or severe.
During an acute asthma attack
oxygen support and injectable medications may be needed. Asthma is a life
threatening disease for many cats. It is important to learn to recognize the
signs and seek veterinary assistance at the first sign of an attack. THE
EARLIER TREATMENT IS BEGUN, THE QUICKER THE RECOVERY! You should understand
that veterinary treatment will be required once signs begin to develop. ASTHMA
WILL NOT GO AWAY WITHOUT THERAPY.
Treatment must be fitted to the
particular needs of your pet. Some tips for treatment are:
·
Always give
oral medications as directed. Cats are much less prone to side effects from
steroids than are people or dogs. It is safer to use the medication than to let
your pet suffer from asthma attacks. If you have trouble medicating your cat
ask your veterinarian about injectable long-acting steroids or tuna flavored
medication elixirs that can be ordered from custom pharmacies.
·
Limit
exercise. Don’t encourage your cat to jump or play when symptoms of the disease
are present.
·
Keep the pet’s
environment as dust-free as possible. Carpeted floors, heavy drapes, books and
upholstered furniture are dust catchers. Keeping the cat in an area of the
house with wood floors or linoleum is helpful if possible. Keep books and knick-knacks
that collect dust in cabinets instead of open shelves. Special filters (HEPA
filters) on your furnace and vacuum cleaner are helpful to reduce the amount of
dust in the air. Dehumidifiers reduce mold and mildew spores in humid weather.
(Be sure to clean them regularly or they will actually grow mold and
mildew!) Use alfalfa pellets for cat litter.
Consider Allergy Testing and
Desensitization in severe cases that recur.
Notify your veterinarian if ANY of
the following occur:
1. Your pet has coughing or labored
breathing
2. You are unable to give
appropriate medications.
3. There is any change in your
cat's general health and condition.
4. You have any questions.
REMEMBER: There is NO CURE KNOWN
--but we can usually control the disease with therapy!
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