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Feline asthma is a common allergic respiratory disease in cats, affecting at least one percent of all adult cats worldwide. It is a chronic progressive disease for which there is no cure. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, labored breathing and potentially life-threatening bronchoconstriction. There is conjecture that the disease is becoming more common due to increased exposure to industrial pollutants.
Diagnosis
Veterinarians will classify the severity of the systems. They will rule out other diseases including heartworm, lungworm and heart disease. Symptoms, pulmonary radiographs, and a positive response to steroids help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Although feline asthma is incurable, ongoing treatments allow many domestic cats to live normal lives. Feline asthma is commonly managed through use of bronchodilators for mild cases, or glucocorticosteroids with bronchodilators for moderate to severe cases.
Previously, standard veterinary practice recommended injected and oral medications for control of the disease. These drugs may have systemic side effects including diabetes and pancreatitis. In 2000, Dr. Philip Padrid pioneered inhaled medications using a pediatric chamber and mask using Flovent(r) (fluticasone) and albuterol. Inhaled treatments reduce or eliminate systemic effects. In 2003 a chamber designed especially for cats was developed, significantly improving efficiency and reducing cost for the caregiver.
References
- Feline Asthma with Fritz the Brave:veterinarian-approved protocol, photos, video and information
- Dr. Serina J. Hillerson, DVM, March 01, Cat Fancy.
- Dr Susan Little, DVM "Feline Asthma - Updated Information, winnfelinehealth.org.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University "Feline Asthma".
- AeroKat(tm) Feline Aerosol Chamber Trudell Medical
"Feline asthma"