OT/Asthma

[Anitafrnhamer]

I'm in uncharted waters here and would like to plumb the depths for anyone who has experience treating feline asthma. He doesn't have DM but I figure with the wealth of knowledge among our members surely someone has had experience in this area.

We don't have an official dx yet but I am fairly well convinced Raven has asthma. For the past few days (always of course on the weekend when we have to wait for an appointment) he has been having coughing spells. The first time I thought he was trying to hack up a furball. These "spells" have continued. Typically in the middle of the night, early in the morning, and late in the evening.

What complicates this issue is, Raven is FIV+. I have videoed a couple of these events to show the vet when I get him in for an appointment.

 

[PlumsMom]

Hi Anita! We have an 8 year old cat, Plum, who was diagnosed with kitty asthma at a young age. His sibling Nancy had it as well - there must be a genetic component, I think. Coughing is Plum's main symptom. You should ask your vet about treating with a kitty inhaler. "Aerokat" is the brand name. Oral steroids do work but you run the risk of that inducing diabetes, which is what happened to Plum.

You may have already come across this site, but just in case: http://www.fritzthebrave.com/meds/inhaled.html Lots of good information there.

 

[DebG]

I agree with Marci...
My kitty Fritz has has asthma for 6 years now.
I use the aerokat with Flovent twice a day. Its cheaper to order from Canada.
I also keep Albertoul for rescue.
The only time I use oral Prednisolone is when first Dx with asthma for the first 2 weeks along with the Flovent (takes up to2 weeks for Flovent for it to work) then you slowly taper off the pred.
never just stop oral steroids.
Also eliminate as many irrtants in your home such as cigarette smoke, chimney smoke,any colones perfumes,laundry detergents shampoos any thing that puts out a scent.
I run a air cleaner 24/7 and a cool mist humidifier. Easier for them to breath the air. And use non dust litter. I have the breeze system. I love it!

 

[BJM]

If a cat has pica, the eating of inedible objects, the hacking may sound very much like asthma. A good set of x-rays will determine if the lungs are showing evidence of asthma and if there is any foreign matter in the stomach. And a cat can have both!
If it is asthma, check out www.FritzTheBrave.com for feline asthma resources.