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Section: Overview
DiagnosisDiagnostic tests are necessary to recognize feline bronchial asthma, and help exclude other diseases that may cause similar signs. There is no single test that is diagnostic of feline bronchial asthma. The diagnosis is based on the history of labored breathing that is responsive to oxygen, corticosteroids (hormones), and or bronchodilators (which are agents that expand the air passages of the lungs), typical X-ray findings, and evidence of airway inflammation based on fluid analysis. It is important to rule out other causes of difficult respiration in your cat, such as heart failure, pneumonia, pleural effusion, tumors or chest injury, as the treatments for each condition are very different. It is also possible to have two concurrent diseases.
Read Dr. Jon's answer to today's question.
Dyspnea is the term used to describe labored and difficult breathing. This breathing trouble can occur either during inspiration or expiration and has many different causes.
Panting is rapid, shallow respirations characterized by open-mouthed breathing, often accompanied by a protrusion of the tongue. It is seen commonly in dogs, and less commonly in cats.
Coughing is a common protective reflex that clears secretions or foreign matter from the airways. Persistant coughing can indicate underlying illness and can hinder the ability to breathe properly.
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