Feline asthma life expectancy

Many cats will experience asthma attacks as a reaction to an inhaled allergen.

Today, our Astoria vets discuss the causes, signs, and treatment of asthma in cats. You may be wondering how you will know if your cat has asthma. Typically the earliest signs that your cat may be having an asthma attack include coughing and wheezing. Another common sign that you may notice is that your cat is hunched close to the ground with their neck extended forward as if trying to expel a hairball. If your cat is experiencing a full-blown asthma attack you will likely be able to see your cat's sides going in and out as they work hard to breathe, and your cat might be drooling or coughing up mucus. Needless to say, all of this can cause your cat to become extremely frightened.

Feline asthma life expectancy

The condition can range from mild to life-threatening, so it is important to know the symptoms and get your cat checked out right away if you suspect they might have asthma. Cat asthma, or feline asthma, is very similar to asthma in humans—it is chronic inflammation of the airways in the lungs. Like in humans, asthma attacks in cats are often triggered by allergens or even stress. When cats with asthma breathe in allergens, it triggers an immune response that causes inflammation which results in irritation, swelling, and muscular constriction of the airways 2. This response leads to mucus accumulation and narrowing of the airways, making it hard for oxygen to reach the lungs. Once this response occurs, it makes it very difficult for the cat to breathe. However, cats living with asthma can lead normal and active lives, provided they get proper treatment and their asthma is well managed. There are a number of symptoms that are indicative of cat asthma, ranging from mild to severe. Your cat may show one or several of the following symptoms:. The normal rate of breathing for cats is about breaths per minute at rest 4.

If your cat is having an asthma attack urgent veterinary care may be required. If you suspect your cat may have asthma, it is best to err on the side of caution. These are usually best given daily as a tablet.

When a susceptible cat first inhales an allergen, her system creates specific antibodies to target that antigen. When the cat is exposed to that antigen again, these antibodies recognize the allergen and start a cascade of events that bring many different types of immune cells to the airways. These immune cells then trigger the production of substances that promote inflammation, a condition that results in irritation, swelling, and reactive constriction of the airways. As a result, the diameter of the airways may decrease and mucus may accumulate within the passages Figure 1. All these processes limit the ability of air to move through the airways and cause the cat to experience difficulty breathing. The average age of cats diagnosed with asthma is between 4 and 5 years. Cats suffering from asthma may show signs of difficulty breathing, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing or hacking, open-mouthed breathing, or vomiting.

Cat Asthma, otherwise known as Feline asthma is a respiratory disease of the small airways in the lungs, caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens. This causes narrower airways, which often accumulate mucus, limiting the movement of air and causing the cat to have trouble breathing. The cause of feline asthma will differ between each animal and the most common trigger allergens include:. There are no specific tests for diagnosing feline asthma, but the first stage would be to book a free consultation at your local Animal Trust surgery. If cat asthma is suspected, it is important to rule out infections, parasites, and other conditions such as heart disease through a series of tests. Performing a chest X-ray or CT scan may show characteristic signs of asthma such as overinflation of the lungs due to air trapping and thickening of the airway. This can be useful to rule out other causes of breathing difficulties, such as fluid accumulation due to heart failure, infection, or tumours. Bronchoscopy uses a small, flexible camera to examine the inside of the airways and collect samples of the cells lining the airways. Inhaled medications have the advantage of providing a high concentration of the drug at the site it is required.

Feline asthma life expectancy

Feline asthma is a chronic condition that can be triggered by numerous external irritants that cause the swelling and constriction of the respiratory passages. Asthma may be of variable degrees of severity, which can determine the life expectancy of the affected cat. Typically, cats with asthma have a normal life expectancy, if the condition is kept under control.

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Body hunched close to the ground with neck extended forward Persistent coughing or gagging Gurgling sounds from the throat Increased swallowing Overall weakness. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and noisy breathing. While at rest or sleeping, your cat should normally take between 24 - 30 breaths per minute. Another sign of asthma in cats is rapid breathing during sleep. The vet may administer special tests to see if any of these conditions are the cause of the symptoms. There is a lot of advice out there as to what you should feed your cat if they suffer from asthma. Contact Us. It is important to note, however, that snoring or breathing loudly while resting does not always indicate that your cat is suffering from asthma. If your cat is coughing or wheezing, it may be indicative of a serious health issue and should be treated immediately. Are you looking for a vet in Smyrna, Georgia? Grass Dust mites Mould Pollen. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment. Heatstroke in Cats As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk of heatstroke in our feline friends. However, if your cat has asthma, there are a number of triggers that could be causing attacks 9.

For some cats, this common respiratory affliction can have perilous consequences.

Any comments Please note, our vets and nurses are unable to respond to questions via this form. Are you concerned that your cat may have asthma? If your cat is experiencing a full-blown asthma attack you will be able to see your cat's sides going in and out as they work hard to breathe, and you may also notice that they are drooling or coughing up mucus. If you notice that your cat is having difficulties breathing, it's time to call your vet! Pollen Some foods Cat litter dust Household cleaning products. Treatment Treatment for feline asthma usually include the following: Steroids Steroids help reduce symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Contact Us. Figure 1 : Bronchioles in a normal lung allow air to pass freely. Home cleaning products Cigarette smoke Cat litter dust Pet food. Your cat may show one or several of the following symptoms:.