Feline asthma
Encyclopedia
Feline asthma is a common allergic
respiratory disease in cat
s, 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.
, lungworm and heart disease. Symptoms, pulmonary radiographs, and a positive response to steroids help confirm the diagnosis.
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 salbutamol
. Inhaled treatments reduce or eliminate systemic effects. In 2003 a chamber called AeroKat was designed especially for cats, significantly improving efficiency and reducing cost for the caregiver. Medicine can also be administered using a human baby spacer device.
Allergy
An Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid...
respiratory disease in cat
Cat
The cat , also known as the domestic cat or housecat to distinguish it from other felids and felines, is a small, usually furry, domesticated, carnivorous mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and for its ability to hunt vermin and household pests...
s, 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
Bronchoconstriction
Bronchoconstriction is the constriction of the airways in the lungs due to the tightening of surrounding smooth muscle, with consequent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Bronchoconstriction can also be due to an accumulation of thick mucus....
. There is conjecture that the disease is becoming more common due to increased exposure to industrial pollutants.
Diagnosis
Owners often notice their cat coughing several times per day. Cat coughing sounds different from human coughing; more like the cat is passing a hairball. Veterinarians will classify the severity of the symptoms. They will rule out other diseases including heartwormHeartworm
Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm that is spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. The heartworm is a type of filaria, a small thread-like worm. The definitive host is the dog but it can also infect cats, wolves, coyotes, foxes and other animals, such as ferrets, sea lions and...
, 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
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It occurs when pancreatic enzymes that digest food are activated in the pancreas instead of the small intestine. It may be acute – beginning suddenly and lasting a few days, or chronic – occurring over many years...
. In 2000, Dr. Philip Padrid pioneered inhaled medications using a pediatric chamber and mask using Flovent(r) (fluticasone
Fluticasone
Fluticasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid.Both the furoate and propionate forms are used as topical anti-inflammatories:*Fluticasone propionate*Fluticasone furoateTreatment of asthma - Fluticasone in combination with Salmeterol - "[]" - aerosol....
) and salbutamol
Salbutamol
Salbutamol or albuterol is a short-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for the relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is marketed as Ventolin among other brand names....
. Inhaled treatments reduce or eliminate systemic effects. In 2003 a chamber called AeroKat was designed especially for cats, significantly improving efficiency and reducing cost for the caregiver. Medicine can also be administered using a human baby spacer device.