Feline asthma, or cat asthma, is a chronic respiratory disease that, like asthma in humans, is triggered by an allergic reaction. Typical signs of feline asthma include severe coughing or wheezing. Young to middle-aged cats are most commonly affected.
Feline asthma is caused by an allergic reaction in the bronchial tubes, which leads to obstruction (narrowing) of the lower airways. This allergy can be triggered by pollutants or external stimuli such as cigarette smoke, dust mites, cleaning products, perfume, or even ingredients in cat food. However, it is not yet fully understood why the bronchial tubes react to these stimuli with a hypersensitivity reaction. A genetic predisposition in combination with previous damage to the bronchial tubes caused by earlier respiratory diseases is suspected.
Since initial contact with the allergens (substances that trigger allergies) initially only causes sensitization of the bronchial tubes and does not yet lead to clinical symptoms, the disease is often not recognized until late in its development. This is known as an immediate-type allergy. Upon renewed contact with the allergen, the bronchi quickly become obstructed and inflammatory changes occur in the bronchial walls, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of asthma.
During an acute asthma attack, cats experience coughing fits, shortness of breath, and a bluish discoloration of the tongue. The animal's entire body is often shaken during a coughing fit, accompanied by wheezing noises. A cat with an acute asthma attack and severe shortness of breath is always considered an emergency and must be taken to a veterinarian immediately!
The chronic course of the disease manifests itself in recurring attacks of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath and, as the disease progresses, also in a significantly reduced general condition.
Since a wide variety of respiratory diseases can cause similar symptoms, the veterinarian can only make a tentative diagnosis based on a clinical examination and a detailed preliminary report. Further tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A blood count is usually performed, which can provide valuable information about chronic respiratory disease.
It is also advisable to examine a stool sample to rule out the presence of parasites that can also colonize the lungs (lungworms). X-rays can be used to visualize structural changes in the lungs and bronchi as well as changes in the position of the diaphragm.
Another very effective examination method is bronchoscopy, in which the trachea and bronchi are viewed from the inside using an endoscope. During this examination, the airways can be flushed and mucus samples taken. This examination is known as bronchoalveolar lavage.
In the first instance, if known, an attempt must be made to keep the triggering allergens away from the cat to prevent the symptoms from worsening. Depending on the severity of the disease, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator medications are used for long-term therapy, which can be administered in tablet form or inhaled as a metered-dose aerosol via a breathing mask. The advantage of inhalation therapy is that it has significantly fewer side effects, but in severe asthma, inhalation alone is often not sufficient, at least in the beginning. Treatment of a cat with asthma must be continued for life, as the disease itself is incurable. Your vet will draw up a detailed treatment plan for your cat and can send you the medication digitally via petsXL, so that you can find all upcoming medication doses in your timeline and set reminders for yourself.
As the owner, you can also take the following simple measures to reduce additional stress on your cat's breathing:
Even though feline asthma cannot be cured, many cats with asthma can lead an almost symptom-free life with the help of appropriate measures and treatments. Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the course of the disease and the treatment plan are essential to achieve long-term treatment success and ensure a favorable to good prognosis.
Some breeds that have been bred by humans to achieve a desired appearance suffer from serious health problems: breathing difficulties, joint damage, eye problems, or limited ability to communicate – the list of diseases and affected animal breeds is long. But what exactly is torture breeding?
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