Can Feline Bronchial Asthma Be Cured? A Comprehensive G

Section 1: Causes of Feline Asthma

Most cats develop asthma due to allergic reactions triggered by various irritants. Common allergens that can lead to feline asthma include pollen, dust, food, insects, and more. The symptoms of acute asthma in cats can be quite distressing, featuring difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, panting, and even the sensation of suffocation. Chronic asthma may present with symptoms like a dry cough, wheezing, and a tendency to cough upon palpation of the trachea, with an increased respiratory sound. Cats with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to asthma, and it can occur at any age.

Early detection and proper medication can effectively manage asthma in cats, usually preventing fatal outcomes. If you notice your cat experiencing persistent difficulty breathing or coughing, it's crucial to take them to a veterinarian promptly to avoid missing the best window for treatment.

Section 2: Treating Feline Asthma

1. Oxygen Therapy: During asthma attacks, cats may experience severe breathing difficulties. The first step is to provide them with an oxygen cage to ensure they receive 50100% oxygen to support their normal breathing.

2. Clearing Tracheal Secretions: During asthma episodes, cats' bronchial tubes produce a lot of mucus, leading to coughing. It's important to assist them in clearing these secretions to alleviate coughing and ensure they can breathe more comfortably.

3. Corticosteroid Injections: Acute cases may require intravenous administration of prednisolone or dexamethasone; chronic cases can be treated with intravenous prednisolone or hexamethylprednisolone acetate.

4. Antihistamines: Cats can be given chlorpheniramine at a dose of 24 mg/kg body weight, taken one to two times a day, or phenylbenzamine at the same dose, also one to two times daily.

5. Bronchodilators: Aminophylline is a longterm treatment for both acute and chronic asthma. When your cat is cured, it's a good idea for owners to have some aminophylline tablets on hand as a backup for asthma management.

6. Improving Living Conditions: Owners should avoid exposing their cats to potential triggers. Regularly change the bedding in the cat's area and avoid smoking and exposure to irritant gases.

Pet Doctor's Tip: Feline asthma can be temporarily cured, but there's no guarantee of recurrence. Most cases of asthma require ongoing prevention efforts by owners. It's best to keep cats away from allergens to minimize the risk of recurrence.