Diagnosing Feline Asthma: Key Signs and Tests

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Part 1: Diagnosing Feline Asthma

Diagnosing asthma in cats involves several key steps to ensure accurate identification and appropriate treatment.

1. Xray Examination

During an asthma attack, cats may exhibit shadows in their lungs, thickened bronchial walls, and interstitial infiltrates on Xrays.

2. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

About 25% to 70% of cats with asthma show an increase in eosinophils in their peripheral blood.

3. Heartworm Test

Heartworm infection can obstruct blood circulation, leading to heart failure, which may mimic asthma symptoms. Therefore, a heartworm test is essential to rule out this condition before confirming asthma.

4. Documentation of Asthma Attacks

When you notice your cat experiencing difficulty breathing and wheezing, it's crucial to document these episodes. Photos or videos of your cat's symptoms can be invaluable for the veterinarian in making a diagnosis.

Part 2: Treating Feline Asthma

Here are the primary treatment methods for feline asthma, tailored to the individual needs of each cat:

1. Oxygen Therapy

During acute asthma attacks, cats may struggle to breathe and exhibit cyanosis. Oxygen therapy is vital, using an oxygen chamber to provide relief and improve respiratory function.

2. Steroid Injections

Corticosteroids are the cornerstone of asthma treatment. Cats with severe symptoms may receive injections of longacting steroids like dexamethasone or methylprednisolone, typically administered subcutaneously or intravenously. While injections have more side effects than oral medications, they are crucial for cats experiencing severe respiratory distress.

3. Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators, such as terbutaline, help relax constricted bronchi, allowing for better airflow into the lungs.

4. Antibiotic Therapy

If the cat's lungs are infected, antibiotics will be prescribed, based on bacterial culture results.

5. Inhaled Medications

For cats with milder symptoms, inhaled medications can be used to avoid the side effects of injectable or oral steroids. This method requires a metereddose inhaler, spacer, and mask. There are also specialized inhalers designed specifically for feline asthma.

With that, Oxygen Pet Doctor has shared insights into the diagnosis and treatment of feline asthma. We hope this information has been helpful, providing pet owners with a deeper understanding of this condition. Working together with your veterinarian, you can help your cat recover quickly and comfortably!

This version aims to make the information more accessible and engaging for pet owners.