Feline asthma 3469861 196741154 2008-03-08T11:18:03Z Dodo bird 901231 /* External links */ {{Domestic cat}} '''Feline asthma''' is a common [[allergy|allergic]] respiratory disease in [[cat]]s, affecting at least one percent of all adult cats worldwide. It is a chronic progressive disease for which there is no cure. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, labored breathing and potentially life-threatening [[bronchoconstriction]]. There is conjecture that the disease is becoming more common due to increased exposure to industrial pollutants. ==Diagnosis== Owners often notice their cat coughing several times per day. Cat coughing sounds different from human coughing; more like the cat is passing a hairball. Veterinarians will classify the severity of the systems. They will rule out other diseases including [[heartworm]], lungworm and heart disease. Symptoms, pulmonary radiographs, and a positive response to steroids help confirm the diagnosis. ==Treatment== Although feline asthma is incurable, ongoing treatments allow many domestic cats to live normal lives. Feline asthma is commonly managed through use of [[bronchodilators]] for mild cases, or [[glucocorticosteroids]] with bronchodilators for moderate to severe cases. Previously, standard veterinary practice recommended injected and oral medications for control of the disease. These drugs may have systemic side effects including [[diabetes]] and [[pancreatitis]]. In [[2000]], Dr. Philip Padrid pioneered inhaled medications using a pediatric chamber and mask using Flovent(r) ([[fluticasone]]) and [[albuterol]]. Inhaled treatments reduce or eliminate systemic effects. In [[2003]] a chamber called AeroKat was designed especially for cats, significantly improving efficiency and reducing cost for the caregiver. ==References== *Feline Asthma with Fritz the Brave:[http://www.fritzthebrave.com veterinarian-approved protocol, photos, video and information] *Dr. Serina J. Hillerson, DVM, March 01, ''Cat Fancy''. *Dr Susan Little, DVM [http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/asthma.html "Feline Asthma - Updated Information], winnfelinehealth.org. *College of Veterinary Medicine, [[Michigan State University]] [http://www.cvm.msu.edu/research/mregl/feline.htm "Feline Asthma"]. *AeroKat(tm) Feline Aerosol Chamber [http://www.aerokat.com Trudell Medical] ==See also== [[Asthma]] ==External links== *[http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=665 ''Feline Asthma'' from The Pet Health Library] [[Category:Cat diseases]] {{veterinary-med-stub}} {{cat-stub}} {{Domestic cat}} [[de:Felines Asthma]]