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"There is no snooze button
on a cat who wants breakfast." |
The Infinite Cat Project
Presented by Mike Stanfill, Private Hand
Illustration, Flash Animation, Web Design
www.privatehand.com
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Feline asthma is a common allergic respiratory disease in cats,
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. [edit] Diagnosis 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. [edit] 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 designed especially for cats was developed, significantly improving efficiency and reducing cost for the caregiver.. |