Cat Asthma
Cat asthma is a condition in which a cat has difficulty breathing because the airways to her lungs tighten under conditions when this would not normally happen. As a result of this tightening, mucus forms in the lungs and the airways become swollen and inflamed. The cat is unable to breathe properly, which in turn reduces the amount of activity that she can handle. She may also cough or make wheezing sounds, and her efforts to breathe will be obviously strained. Asthma in cats is usually diagnosed by taking a radiograph to measure the actual amount of air the cat is able to expel. Cats with asthma show signs of “air trapping,” meaning that they cannot move air out of their lungs properly. The lungs of a cat with asthma appear larger on a radiograph because they are over-inflated. Asthma in cats is treated in a manner similar to the treatment of asthma in humans. In order to treat symptoms of the condition, inflammation of the lungs must be reduced. This usually means giving the cat anti-inflammatory medication such as prednisone. The medication can either be given in pill form by mouth or by injection. Injections usually last longer, while oral medications must be given to the cat every day. There are also homeopathetic remedies such as
AmazaPet
from
Pet Alive
that can reduce the frequencey of asthma attacks. Using natural remedies may enable you to give your cat fewer medications or lower doses. In some cases, they may even be an
alternative to cat asthma medication,
though you should always check with your veterninarian before replacing a prescription medication for your pet.
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