t is similar signs seen in human asthma patients. Signs vary from a mild sneeze or cough to periods of extremely difficult breathing. Physical exercise will often make the condition much worse. For this reason, most affected cats spend the majority of their time resting and not active since they learn this minimizes the respiratory signs. The exact causes of Feline Bronchial Asthma are not known. The suggested cause in most cases is allergy.
Allergies can develop to many things such as pollens, molds, foods, dust, and chemicals that are inhaled. The allergic reaction within the body causes a narrowing (constriction) of the small air passages within the lungs. This results in a lack of air being able to get into the lungs supplying oxygen to the body. Recurrent attacks are common. Time between attacks varies greatly. There is no way to predict when or how severe the attack will be.
We suggest allergy-testing cats that suffer recurrent attacks to determine if the offending cause can be eliminated from the environment or possibly the cat may be desensitized through immunization, similar to human therapy.
Treatment varies with the severity of the problem. It is important to learn to recognize the signs and seek our assistance at the first sign of an attack.
THE EARLIER WE ARE ABLE TO TREAT THE CONDITION, THE QUICKER THE RECOVERY! You should understand that VETERINARY TREATMENT is required once signs begin to develop. It will not go without treatment.
Notify the clinic if ANY of the following occur:
• Coughing or labored breathing persists more than 24 hours.
• You are unable to give appropriate medications.
• There is any change in your cat’s general health and condition.
• You have any questions.
REMEMBER: There is NO CURE KNOWN. But we can control the disease with therapy!