Cats With Asthma Problems

While asthma is fairly common in cats--the Cat Fanciers' Association says nearly 1 percent of fully grown cats are afflicted with it--the causes are not easy to pin down. Once diagnosed by a veterinarian, feline asthma, also known as chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma, can be managed with medication.

Definition

Asthma is a condition that causes a cat's airway muscles to constrict, reducing air flow and causing respiratory distress. In severe cases, the lungs become so inflamed from allergens or irritants that additional mucus is created and the airways become dangerously narrowed.

Symptoms

The symptoms of wheezing and chronic coughing suffered by cats with asthma problems are the same as those in humans. Rapid breathing or panting, or open-mouthed breathing, are other symptoms.

Causes

Environment plays a large part in causing asthma problems in cats. Some common causes include cigarette smoke, cat litter dust, pollen and aerosol sprays like hair spray, deodorants and flea sprays.

Diagnosis

Chest X-rays are taken to look for bronchial inflammation. Other diagnostic tests for cats thought to be asthmatic are a full blood workup and the testing of sample cells taken from the airways closest to the lungs, in procedures known as the transtracheal wash, bronchial wash or bronchoalveolar lavage.

Treatment

Corticosteroids or bronchodilator inhalers are prescribed for cats with asthma problems. Inhaler devices specifically created for cats utilize a face mask to provide proper doses. In other cases, cats who readily accept pills can be given medication in this form.

References

• Cat Fanciers' Association: Feline Asthma
• Michigan Veterinary Specialists: Feline Asthma

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