Asthma is a condition caused by constriction of the air passages in the
lungs. The exact cause is not known, but asthma probably is a type
of allergic reaction. Some cases are the result of inhaling dust
from cat box litter.
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Affected cats suffer episodes of extremely difficult breathing and
many have periods of severe coughing. Asthma attacks usually recur
and are difficult to predict. Many months may pass between attacks
or they may occur several times daily.
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Mild bronchial asthma is treated medically at home. If the attacks
are very mild and infrequent, it may not be treated at all. Severe
cases may require in-hospital treatment. Laboratory tests and radiographs
(x-rays) are often needed to rule out other conditions with similar signs.
If an attack occurs, try to relate it to your pet’s contact with household
materials. If you detect any pattern to the attacks, notify the veterinarian.
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Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur:
Your cat has trouble breathing.
Your cat’s coughing persists or returns.
Your cat is reluctant to eat or seems depressed.
Your cat loses weight.
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Pneumonia
General Information:
Pneumonia is a general term for inflammation of the lungs. Causes
include bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, allergies, parasites,
and inhaled irritants or foreign materials.
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Many upper respiratory diseases can spread to the lungs and cause pneumonia,
especially if the pet is weakened from the upper respiratory condition.
Pets immobilized for long periods from illness are also likely to develop
pneumonia.
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Proper treatment often requires determining the cause of the pneumonia.
This usually involves various blood tests and x-ray studies. In serious
cases, hospitalization is necessary so that supportive treatment, such
as oxygen or fluid therapy and chest drainage can be given. Rest
is important during recovery from pneumonia. Try to prevent barking,
excitement, rough play, and strenuous exercise during the recovery period.
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Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur:
Your pet coughs continually or has trouble breathing.
Your pet is reluctant to eat or drink.
Your pet seems weak or disoriented or collapses.
Your pet’s condition worsens or recurs after an apparent recovery.
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Trachael Collapse
General Information:
The trachea (windpipe) is composed of 35-45 C-shaped rings of cartilage
that are joined by muscle and ligaments to create a tube-like structure.
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Certain conditions can result in the trachea’s losing its tube-like
shape so that it collapses, much like a soda straw being drawn on too vigorously.
When the trachea collapses, air can no longer move freely through it.
Then the animal breathes with difficulty and exhibits a honking cough.
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Causes include trauma to the windpipe, nerve damage, inherited tracheal
weakness, degeneration of cartilage, and abnormal air flow in and out of
the lungs.
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Except for the congenital (present at birth) forms of tracheal collapse,
most cases occur in middle aged or older, overweight, small breed dogs.
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A complete physical examination and radiographs (x-rays) are usually
necessary to confirm a diagnosis of tracheal collapse. Depending
on the severity of the condition, treatment may include surgery and/or
medical therapy. In mild cases, a change in the pet’s lifestyle may
be all that is necessary. Some cases of collapsing trachea cannot
be cured, and treatment is directed at decreasing the severity and frequency
of breathing difficulties.
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Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur:
