Cat Respiratory Diseases
Sneezing, sniffling, coughing, discharge from the eye and fever are the standard features of respiratory infection and diseases in cats. Any changes in behavior coupled with symptoms need to be observed by the owner. More severe symptoms include weakness, lethargy and wheezing. These signs of distress require immediate medical attention. The presence of these symptoms doesn't always indicate a serious medical condition caused from a respiratory disease. Your cat may be experiencing a more common viral infection that requires treatment with the vet to reach a resolution. Various upper respiratory diseases can be paired with other diseases.
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Feline Asthma
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Cats can develop asthma just as humans do, suffering from repeated bouts of wheezing and coughing. Owners often mistake a cat's dry hacking cough for a hairball when, in fact, the cat is experiencing constriction in the lower airways. Symptoms can also include panting or quick breathing as the cat struggles to get enough air. Feline asthma can be triggered by smoke, strong perfumes or household deodorizers, dust, pollen or even cat litter dust. Asthma requires careful diagnosis by a veterinarian, including chest X-rays and blood work. Asthma in cats becomes progressive over time and limits the cat's activity levels and life span. Treatment includes steroids and human medicine in the form of inhalers to free the bronchial passages of the lungs.
Feline Pneumonitis
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Feline pneumonitis is among the milder types of upper respiratory infections in cats; however, this type of infection can be highly contagious in homes with multiple cats. A bacterium called Chlamydia psittaci can infect animals and cause watery eyes and frequent sneezing. This respiratory disease can be chronic, and infection spreads through contact with secretions from the eyes and nose through shared food and water bowls. This disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics to soothe irritation of the lining of the respiratory tract. Cats can be vaccinated against this disease although the vaccine isn't always effective. The vaccine will lessen the effects of any recurrence. Feline pneumonitis almost always occurs in conjunction with another respiratory disease. Your vet will culture the discharge from the cat's eyes or nose to determine if feline pneumonitis is the cause of your cat's distress.
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Feline Calicivirus
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Felines can spread the calicivirus through contact with secretions. This viral infection includes the typical symptoms of respiratory distress, as well as mouth sores in some cases. Complications aren't serious for an animal infected with calcivirus, although the animal is still contagious. Dehydration is a major concern, as is the incidence of arthritis in some animals. Calicivirus is highly contagious and has the ability to live outside the body for 8 to 10 days, making transmission quite probable in households with multiple cats. Because calicivirus is viral, antibiotics are not effective as a treatment, but vets do use antibiotics to fight secondary infections of the eyes and throat. Isolation and proper cleaning of bowls, litter boxes and infected areas helps control transmission.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
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Routine vaccination can prevent incidences of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, the most severe of the upper respiratory infections. This type of respiratory infection is actually a Herpes virus that causes inflammation of the sinuses, eyes, nose, throat and mouth. This disease presents distinct symptoms of swollen gums, lethargy and possible mouth ulcers. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis also can result in opportunistic bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotics. This nasty disease causes the death of many kitten as well as the loss of litters when pregnant mother's become infected. The best defense includes vaccinating your animal when young and limiting your cat's exposure to potentially infected animals.
Significance
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Feline respiratory diseases create a difficult situation in rescue homes, shelters and multiple cat households. Because the animal is sneezing, the virus is transmitted into the air just like when a human sneezes with a cold. This creates a nightmare for limiting exposure as well as sterilizing the environment. Crowding, poor cleaning practices, lack of vaccinations and stress in the animal aggravate control of upper respiratory diseases in cats.
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References
- Photo Credit S.F. Heron
