Understanding the Link Between Cat Asthma and Bronchiti

Section 1: Acute and Chronic Feline Asthma

Feline asthma can be categorized into acute and chronic forms. Acute asthma is characterized by a sudden onset of inflammation in the respiratory tract, whereas chronic asthma involves longterm inflammation. This condition arises from an increased sensitivity to allergens, airway narrowing, and the accumulation of specific cells, often triggered by inflammatory and allergic reactions in the cat's airways. In cats, both acute and chronic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract are collectively referred to as feline bronchitis. If left untreated, chronic inflammation in the lower respiratory tract can lead to lung fibrosis and atelectasis, which can be quite severe. Asthma can occur at any age in cats, but it is most common between the ages of 2 and 8.

Section 2: Common Symptoms of Feline Asthma

When a cat experiences an asthma attack, it often exhibits symptoms such as frequent coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, sneezing, decreased appetite, and changes in the color of the skin and mucous membranes.

Potential Causes: The exact cause of feline asthma has not been conclusively determined. However, many allergens have been identified, including:

smoke, air fresheners, pollen, dust, and cat litter, which can all trigger asthma attacks in affected cats. Additionally, lungworm infection is also a potential cause of the disease.

Section 3: Diagnosis

1. Diagnosing asthma in cats is challenging, as it cannot be determined solely based on external appearances. Veterinarians typically conduct a thorough physical examination of the cat, taking into account the animal's history and any events that may have triggered the asthma. This includes assessing the cat's diet, any new furniture in the home, and other related factors. However, pinpointing the exact cause of the cat's illness can still be quite difficult: sometimes, even a new air freshener can trigger a sudden asthma attack, making it nearly impossible to pinpoint the source.

2. After a detailed physical examination, if the veterinarian determines it is an acute case, treatment will be initiated immediately. Generally, doctors will collect blood and urine samples for laboratory testing to assist in diagnosing whether the asthma is acute or chronic.

3. Furthermore, the veterinarian may also collect a stool sample for testing to check for parasites.

4. Xray imaging is an essential part of the diagnostic process, as it is crucial for identifying the nature, extent, and type of lung tissue changes caused by asthma attacks. Some larger hospitals can use specific allergen detection devices to determine if the cat has an allergic reaction and identify the relevant allergens. This test can be very helpful in preventing the disease, but not all hospitals are equipped to perform it.

That's all for now from Oxygen Pet Doctor regarding feline asthma. If you have any specific details you'd like to learn more about, feel free to follow Oxygen Pet Doctor or leave a comment below for further inquiries!