Is That A Frog In Your Throat?
Feline Respiratory Problems
By: Katherine Dodds D.V.M.
Yes, cats cough. They wheeze, sneeze, and sniffle too; and most of it sounds
like it does in people. For this discussion, we'll define the respiratory
system of cats from the nose to the lungs.
The obvious place to start is at the front. It is interesting to note that
respiratory problems in pets are on the rise; this corresponds to an increase
in respiratory problems in people as well. I think our environment is to
blame.
Nasal problems manifest as a nasal discharge; yep, good old snot is the
first sign and its character is important to your veterinarian.
Intranasal causes are of concern to the respiratory system; extranasal
causes are the result of some systemic disease (i.e., disease involving other
parts of the body but showing up as a nasal discharge).
Nasal discharges are classified as serous (clear), purulent (green/yellow),
mucopurulent (green/yellow with mucus), or hemorrhagic (bloody). Here's a
partial list of some of the causes for each category.
Serous discharges might indicate upper respiratory viruses like herpes or
rhinotracheitis, calici, and chamydia. Repeat after me: these can be prevented
by vaccination! Strange parasites like Syngamus ierei can also cause a serous
discharge. Purulent discharges' causes include bacterial infections, fungal
infections, foreign bodies, sinusitis, cleft palates, polyps, and cancer.
Mucopurulent causes include fungal infections and cancer. Bloody causes might
be trauma, fistulas, platelet and bleeding disorders.
Analysis of the discharge by microscopic and microbiologic testing along with
radiographs is usually the first step in diagnosing nasal problems along with
a complete blood count (CBC) to assess the immune and coagulation systems.
If they don't reveal an answer, we need to go deeper into the nose to both
take a look and get some samples for a biopsy and further tests. Once a cause
is found, we can specifically direct a treatment plan.
Moving further into the respiratory tree, we come to the bronchi. Cats do
not suffer from bronchitis as dogs and people typically do. Their disease is
known as feline asthma, but the pathologic changes resemble bronchitis. As you
recall from your biology courses, the bronchi carry air from the trachea into
the lungs. As a group these diseases are also referred to as Allergic Lung
Diseases and include the following disorders: pulmonary infiltrates with
eosinophilia, heartworm disease, allergic fungal diseases, and allergic or
eosinophilic bronchitis (asthma).
Asthma is a reversible disease caused by an immediate Type I
hypersensitivity. Pollens, dusts, pollutants, molds, and other unknown
substances cause this supposed allergic reaction in cats. I say supposed
because using the term asthma to describe this reaction in cats is actually
controversial; we suspect allergy but we don't know for sure!
Some pathologists report the findings in the bronchi of affected cats look
more like those of people afflicted with chronic bronchitis and not asthma. In
a true allergic response, mast cells will fly to the area in response to the
allergic stimulus and release their offending substance (i.e., Histamine).
These cause bronchoconstriction, mucus formation, swelling, and inflammation.
The diagnosis of feline asthma can usually be accomplished with a CBC and a
chest radiograph. Radiographs produce a distinct pattern in the chest; your
doctor may be looking for donut holes! Often films may need to be repeated in
2-3 weeks as changes in radiographs can lag behind clinical signs by a few
weeks.
Sometimes a transtracheal wash is needed to collect fluids for analysis
just like in nasal problems. Steroids are the mainstay of treatment for feline
asthma and can be given as pills or periodic injections. I have had equal
success using both but I prefer oral medications, as they are a little easier
to control. For those afraid of steroids we can try antihistamines first
and/or bronchodilators but they are not as effective.
The lungs are the next stop and you know what this means: pneumonia, folks.
Viruses, bacteria, and fungi all cause pneumonia. Use of newer improved
vaccines in the last decade has significantly decreased the incidence of viral
respiratory infections. However, bacterial and fungal infections are still
commonplace and serious.
Clinical signs of pneumonia include cough, fever, dyspnia (difficult
breathing), nasal discharge, anorexia, depression, dehydration, and weight
loss. Dyspnea in cats can be subtle; often the only noticeable change is an
extension of the neck and a cowering posture in which the elbows become
greatly flexed. It looks like your cat is prowling and getting ready to pounce
on a prey.
The diagnostic approach is similar to that for bronchial diseases: a CBC,
chest radiographs, and a transtracheal wash are indicated. This wash may be
the only way your veterinarian will be able to diagnose a fungal infection.
Radiographs in fungal infections may show a different pattern than they would
in a bacterial or viral infection as the fungi often cause granuloma
formation.
Once a cause has been found, the proper antimicrobial drugs can be started.
These drugs are used for longer times and at higher doses than for other
infections; this is because levels of antimicrobials are lower in respiratory
secretions than in other tissues.
Maintaining good hydration is also important in getting good concentrations
of drugs into the lungs so fluid intravenous fluid therapy is often required.
Nebulization (aerosol therapy) will help also and should be done 3-4 times
daily for about half an hour.
Using bronchodilators helps when nebulizing. Immediately after aerosol
therapy, physical therapy should be performed. This includes a little
exercise, chest wall coupage/massage, and postural drainage (meaning hold
their heads down and let the crud drain!). Seriously dyspnic patients may
require oxygen therapy. You need to be careful in using cough medications at
this point as they interfere with normal movement of mucus and removal of
crud.
Managing respiratory diseases is a little more difficult in cats compared
to dogs. This is because it is a little harder to assess responses to
treatment in cats as they are by nature more reclusive than dogs. Nonetheless,
it is a skill well learned by your veterinarian so pay attention to their
advice!
Dr. Katherine Dodds practices at and owns Hammocks Veterinary Hospital in
Kendall (Miami), FL. A University of Florida graduate, she is also an
affiliate member of The American Association of Feline Practitioners. She can
be reached at 305 388 0880.
Hairballs Can Jeopardize Your Cat's Health
By: Jane R. Bicks, D.V.M.
Cats spend up to 1/3 of their waking hours self-grooming. The tiny barbs
on a cat's tongue pull loose hair from it's coat and those hairs are
swallowed. Because hair is very difficult to digest, it compacts with
undigested food in the intestines.
The accumulation becomes a source of irritation if it is not eliminated in the
litter box or coughed up. The result is messy fur-like, cigar-shaped forms on
the floor or furniture. Some surgically removed hairballs are almost 3 inches
in diameter.
Although you may not see hairballs, there may be a significant accumulation
in your cat's stomach and intestines!
Signs of hairball problems:
Fur-like, cigar-shaped clumps of fur on floor or furniture.
Dry, hacking cough.
Vomiting after meals.
Preoccupation with eating plants or grass.
Hair entwined with the feces.
Dry dull coat and/or excessive shedding.
Poor appetite and/or weight loss.
Constipation or diarrhea.
Common Treatments:
Single focus products do not address a cat's entire system.
Mineral oil or petroleum lubricants are petrochemical products
Large amount of fiber can decrease intestinal absorption of nutrients
and may result in malnourished animal
Enemas for constipation requires tranquilization and can be
dangerous.
What Really Does Work?
A much better alternative for hairballs is HealthyPetNet's Purr-fectly
Natural, .... Gourmet Cat Treats.
Formulated for finicky feline palates.
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No chemical preservatives.
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with the health, well fare, and safety of your precious cat in mind.
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