Asthma Cat

How to Deal With Asthma in Cats

Asthma is not only a human disorder, but is also found in some cats. You should have your cat checked by a vet if you suspect this disorder. Leaving feline asthma untreated can result in permanent damage to your cats lungs and heart.

Feline asthma is an immune-mediated disease characterized by symptoms ranging from infrequent, hairball-like coughing, to sudden onsets of respiratory distress (which veterinarians call "acute dyspnea").

Episodes are usually triggered by an allergen or stress, and can be accompanied or followed by vomiting, sneezing, or even wheezing like a human allergy sufferer. Respiratory signs may be slow and deliberate (more abdominal breathing), to fast and labored.

True asthma, as opposed to bronchitis, normally responds quickly to a combination of bronchodilators, oxygen therapy, and fast acting steroids. Diagnosis is usually confirmed with an x-ray, and possibly a slide cytology of the airway.

Because asthma can mimic other feline diseases (bronchitis, heart disease, pneumonia), a veterinary diagnosis assisted by an x-ray is essential. In many ways, feline asthma is very similar to human asthma, although our understanding of the causes of clinical feline asthma has been growing in recent years.

Long-term treatment of asthma usually includes short or long- term use of corticosteroids (such as prednisone), and bronchodilators (such as terbutaline or aminophyline). While severe "episodes" of dyspnea can occur, the long- term prognosis for this disease is generally excellent. If diagnosed early, any structural changes to the lungs and airway are usually reversible, and damage can be minimized.

Recent investigation into alternative treatments for asthma include injectable steroids (for that patient that simply can't be pilled), Cyproheptadine (formally used as an appetite stimulant), Cyclosporin A (limited to severe cases), and Anti-Interleukin-5 Antibody (still experimental).

Removing allergens from the environment (use of an air purifier, dust free and unscented litter, no odor controlling sprays, etc.) could possibly help to relieve symptoms.

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Asthma & Cat allergy?
My bf's brother is highly allergic to cats. I own a cat and when my bf comes over he gets a bit of hair on him here and there. Is it possible for his little bro to get an asthma attack with so little fur (obviously having the saliva and stuff on it)? If he brushes the fur off before he goes home will it stop an attack? Is it even possible for it to happen? Like when people who smell nuts have an allergic reaction...but with a cat hehe

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My cat needs fluticasone. Can I just use albuterol? Or is it absolutely necessary to use fluticasone?
I am poor, I have no job right now and my cat has very bad asthma. I took her to OSVS(ocean state veterinary specialists) last night and they gave me medications for her. One is a bronchiodialator and once I get an inhaler for my cat, I can get her on albuterol and stop the bronchiodialator pill. I am also weening her off prednisone, because of supposed fluid build up in the lungs. They gave me a prescription for the albuterol and for the fluticasone. Fluticasone, even from Canada is close to $200. I have $2.25 left in my bank account and I'm only collecting unemployment and all of my bills use up the unemployment check. I can keep her on albuterol once I get it and on prednisone. Fluticasone is supposed to produce less systematic effects than prednisone and that's why I have to get her on fluticasone. Should I skip it and keep using prednisone? Anyone have experience with asthma cats?

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What's worse for a child with asthma? Cats or Constant cigarette smoking?
I need to know this because my older sister thinks its the cat's fault my 7 year old niece is always getting sick. She even said the doctors were wrong and that her boyfriend was right, who smokes 24/7. She actually went to three doctors and they all said to keep this 7 year old girl away from smokers because the smoking can hurt her respiratory system.

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Living with Hoarder. Mold Problems Please Help?
I know this is long but please read. I am a 16 year old male who lives with my grandparents. My dad is dead and my mom is schizophrenic so I can't live with her. I lived with my grandparents my entire life and I have to live with my grandparents now so I can take care of them(Home Health Aids/Physical Therapist refuse to come since the house is so dirty.) My grandma is a diagnosed hoarder and out house has dried cat feces/dead mice/ ect. Our basement is full of mold(which I am allergic to and I have asthma), cat poop, rotten food since now one can get though the basement because it is so full. I have fibromayligna/chronic fatigue systems recently. I was out of the house for a few days and felt better and my mind was clear. When ever I am at home, my mind is in a complete fog which affects my grades. I am at my wits end and don't know what to do. Please give suggestions.

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