According to the Morris Animal Foundation, about one cat in 100 may suffer from asthma. Problems associated with asthma in cats can range from mild to life-threatening. A veterinarian can diagnose asthma using techniques such as x-rays, tracheal wash and bronchoscopy. Pet owners who want to educate themselves about their pets' health can learn about the characteristics of feline asthma to be sure they understand the condition and know how to handle attacks and ongoing symptoms.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms include coughing and labored/forced breathing. During serious attacks, symptons can include prolonged mouth breathing.
Frequency
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Some cats have chronic symptoms, while others seem fine in between asthma attacks. Depending on triggers, symptoms may appear seasonally or seemingly randomly.
Triggers
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Triggers can be environmental allergens, pollution, exertion or even stress. Triggers vary for different cats and should be carefully noted.
Severity
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Some cats rarely have symptoms beyond mild wheezing and coughing. Others, though, can have extreme trouble breathing, froth at the mouth and go into life-threatening respiratory distress.
Conventional Treatment
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Typically a veterinarian will prescribe a bronchodilator and/or a corticosteroid. Medications can be given using injections, pills or inhalers, and can be short- or long-acting.
Holistic Treatment
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Both acupuncture and chiropractic therapy can help cats with asthma. Herbs and homeopathic remedies such as quercetin, marshmallow and tylophora are also useful.
Disclaimer and Warning
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The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always consult your animal health practitioner before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed.
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