Feline asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by sudden episodes of difficulty breathing. Episodes are usually caused by allergies or stress caused by the narrowing of the airways caused. This leads to respiratory problems, coughing and wheezing. A low-grade, chronic cough may not be the only sign, but a crisis plunged to occur at any time, a potentially life-threatening event. Cats affected are usually between 2 and 8 years. Siamese breeds and womenbe more sensitive.
CASES
The most common causes are allergies to inhaled substances called allergens in the environment. Pollens, mold and dust are incriminated out. Tobacco smoke, perfumes, dusty cat litter, and powdered deodorized carpet is the most common culprit inside. Other causes are stress, ie, displacement, the new pet in the house as well as lung parasites including heartworm and Lungworms. Bacterial infections often complicate these cases; secondarybacterial pneumonia is not uncommon in asthmatic cats or humans.
SIGNS
1. Hairball-like coughing, often with difficulty breathing. Tract this cough does not bring any balls of fur.
2. Pi.
3. Shortness of breath.
4. Breathing may be slow and deliberate, rapid and shallow.
Cats May 5 breathe with his mouth open to help air move through the lungs. Cats normally breathe with a closedmouth.
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis is confirmed by chest radiograph, which allow differentiation from other diseases with similar symptoms, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and heartworms. Samples of fluid and mucus in the airways may be collected and examined under a microscope to help identify the exact cause.
TREATMENT
True asthma usually responds quickly to a combination of drugs designed to open blocked airways of allergic reaction.Severe cases often require oxygen therapy. Antibiotics are indicated if bacterial infections such as pneumonia are present.
In case of emergency:
* An injection of epinephrine (adrenalin) reverses an asthmatic crisis in 15 minutes.
* Terbutaline is a dilator of the airways – when given by injection, it will open the airways, within 30 minutes.
* Corticosteroids are medications like Methyl Prednisone and Depomedrol. They act within 48 hours after injection, and the last 10 to 14 days.This is a good alternative for some owners, capable of giving pills to their cat. Cats, unlike humans, are relatively resistant to the effects of steroids, so this is suitable for long-term management of certain cases.
Long-term treatment of asthma
Long-term management of asthma include:
1. Removing allergens from environment
a. Use an air purifier, electrostatic air filter.
b. Use dust-free, odor-free cat.
c.Avoid odor-control spray.
d. reduce stress, not smoking.
2. Several drugs are used to open airways (bronchodilators) and allergic reaction (Corticosteroids) similar to those used for rates of human asthma.
a. Airway Dilators include:
i. Terbutaline (Brethine), and
ii. Theophylline (Theo-Dur).
These medications decrease airway constriction and allow air to enter and exit the lungs easily. Terbutaline is available as an inhalant forpeople and some veterinarians have developed ways to use it as inhalants in cats.
b. Cyproheptadine is a drug that lowers the chemical serotonin, which has proven to be involved in the constriction of the airways. E 'is often used in conjunction with steroids and / or cats are not capable of steroids. Effects include increased appetite and sedation.
c. Zamflurkast (Accolate) – This is a new asthma drug used to reduce the human dose of steroids needed totreatment of asthma. In cats, it is considered experimental, but initial reports were good.
d. Cyclosporine – A – This drug is used in patients undergoing transplantation of human organs for modulating the immune response and are relatively expensive. Recently, studies have been used for asthma cat does not respond to other treatments.
e. anti-interleukin-5 is an anti-cancer drugs are still being tested for use in Félines asthma.
BACKGROUNDTREATMENTS
Principles include treatment of allergies, when present, decreasing airway and reducing environmental impacts.
* Hypoallergenic diet may asthmatic symptoms associated with food allergies stress.
* Fish oil: flax seed oil.
* Antioxidants: Vitamins C & E
* Vitamin B6
* Vitamin B12
* Acupuncture is effective in some cases.
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