Asthma Treatments for Cats
Asthma in cats is quite similar to asthma in humans: an allergic reaction triggers inflammation in the bronchi, restricting airflow and causing respiratory distress. Asthma is most common in cats between the ages of 2 and 8, and is twice as likely to affect females as males. It is characterized by coughing, wheezing, open mouthed breathing and, in very severe cases, vomiting. Fortunately, feline asthma is very treatable.
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Corticosteroids
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Corticosteroids, the most commonly used feline asthma treatment, are used to reduce inflammation in your cat's airways. Treatment can be given orally (prednisone), by injection (depo-medrol) or by inhalation (fluticasone proprionate or beclomethasone).
Cyproheptadine
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Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine that is only useful due to its anti-serotonin component. Some cats have proved to be highly sensitive to this drug, however, so it should be introduced slowly at low levels.
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Home Oxygen Therapy
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You must, of course, purchase the equipment, but home oxygen therapy is a useful, low-stress complement to drug therapy, especially when emergencies occur in the middle of the night and a vet is unavailable.
AeroKat
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Specifically designed for cats, this inhalation mask greatly increases the absorption of medication, so the dosage can often be decreased. AeroKat can be used to give your cat albuterol and flovent.
Nebulizer
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As your cat relaxes in his covered cage, his nebulizer will distribute a fine mist of medication into the cage, which he can breathe in at his own pace. Nebulizers can be used to administer albuterol, steroids and even antibiotics when necessary.
Acupuncture
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Acupuncture is an excellent complement to drug therapy and has been shown to relieve and improve asthma symptoms. Acupuncture should be performed by only a qualified veterinary surgeon.
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Resources
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