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Feline Asthma

Also called Feline Allergic Bronchitis.

Asthma may present either as an acute emergency with the cat in severe respiratory distress (status asthmaticus) or as a chronic problem with coughing and wheezing that has increased in frequency, duration or severity of attacks.

Feline asthma is a chronic condition with recurring attacks. It is very similar to asthma in humans. It involves an allergic reaction in the bronchi (air passages of the lungs). Approximately 1% of cats are affected by asthma. Siamese and Himalayan cats are most commonly affected.

Asthmatic attacks may be triggered by exposure to inhaled allergens (cigarette smoke, kitty litter dust, sprays, carpet deodourizers). In many cases the initiating cause is unknown. The patient is normal between episodes.

An acute attack begins with sudden onset of difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing. The wheezing is heard as the cat exhales (breathes out). During a severe attack the cat will sit with its shoulders hunched or lie chest down with its mouth open, straining to breathe. The mucous membranes may show a bluish colour due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis).

Immediate veterinary attention is required to relieve bronchial spasm and ease respiratory distress. Bronchodilators (to open the airways) and glucocorticoids (for anti-inflammatory effects) may be given in an acute attack.

Prevention

Eliminate environmental triggers from the patients surroundings, if they can be identified.

References

Carlson DG & Giffin JM, Cat Owners Home Veterinary Handbook, New York: Howell Book House, 1995

Fogle B, Natural Cat Care, London: Dorling Kindersley, 1999

Tilley LP & Smith FWK, The Five Minute Veterinary Consult - Canine and Feline (2nd Edition), Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2000

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