Bronchospasm in Cats
Bronchospasm is the sudden, violent constriction of the smooth muscles around the bronchi, the air passages that branch off from the windpipe into the lungs. This constriction makes breathing difficult. A wide variety of allergens, including grass, cigarette smoke, flea products and litter dust, can set off bronchospasms in a sensitive cat. Bronchospasms characterize asthma, which is believed to affect 1 percent of all cats.
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Symptoms
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Bronchospasm leads to coughing as the cat struggles to draw air into its lungs. Because the spasm has narrowed the airways, the amount of air that can be inhaled is reduced. The cat may stretch its head forward as it coughs, leading some owners to mistake this asthma-related coughing for the cat's coughing up a hairball. However, no hairball is produced and the hacking cough continues. In severe cases, the cat is left panting for breath.
At Risk
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Although any cat may be affected with bronchospasm and asthma, females seem to be more at risk than males. Cats between the ages of 2 and 8 are most often diagnosed with asthma. Siamese, Himalayans and the Oriental breeds are more likely than other breeds to develop the condition. There doesn't seem to be a seasonal connection between cats and the incidence of asthma. For some cats, however, temperature extremes may trigger breathing difficulties, such as if a cat leaves a warm house to go outside on a cold day.
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Diagnosis
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To diagnose bronchospasm and asthma in a cat, the veterinarian will rule other other possible causes of coughing, including heartworm disease, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia. The vet will use a blood test to rule out heartworm. Chest x-rays can rule out pneumonia in some cats. Or, the vet may decide to conduct a test called bronchoalveolar lavage. He will anesthetize the cat and pass a bronchoscope down into the bronchi. Then, the vet will release a small amount of sterile sailne solution into the area. Next, he will gently suction out the liquid and any microorganisms that it may contain. The fluid will be checked for the presence of fungus, bacteria, or virus that might cause pneumonia. Chest x-rays may show inflammation of the bronchi that may indicate asthma.
Treatment
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Once other potential conditions are eliminated, the vet may start your cat on an asthma treatment. Response to treatment is actually a good way to confirm the diagnosis. Common medications used to treat bronchospasm in cats include bronchodialators, such as albuterol. This medication works by making the smooth muscles around the airways relax, opening the air passages and making breathing easier. It is available in pill form, as a syrup, or as an inhaler. A cat with severe bronchospasm may need a steriod, such as the corticosteroid called fluticasone, for a period of 10 to 14 days. Some cats may need hospitalization if the situation seems life-threatening.
Inhalers
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Although the medications can be given in pill form, the vet may decide that an inhaled form is the most effective method. In that case, the owner may need to use an inhaler and a special device called the Aerokat to give the cat the medication. The dome-shaped end of the Aerokat fits over the cat's muzzle. At the other end is a metered-dose inhaler. Not only does the device make the speed of the medication puffs more suitable to a small animal (human inhalers deliver medication at about 60 miles per hour), but it also allows the owner to monitor the cat's breaths and coordinate squeezing the inhaler appropriately.
Outlook
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Bronchiospasm is treatable. In addition to medications, owners can help reduce bouts by removing possible irritants from the cat's environment, such as cigarette smoke. If litter dust or additives make the cat cough, switching to a different brand can make a difference. Cutting down on the dust in the house can relieve the cat's difficulties as well.
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