Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial Asthma

By: PetPlace Veterinarians

Section: Follow-up

Optimal treatment for your pet with feline asthma requires a combination of home care and professional veterinary care. The duration of therapy needed is variable, because some cats may have only a single event while others require lifelong therapy or recurrent treatments (not unlike people with asthma). The principles of home care therapy for bronchial asthma in cats include the following:

  • Administer veterinarian prescribed medication and be certain to alert your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your pet.

  • Injectable terbutaline – In the case of severe episodes of respiratory distress, some veterinarians advocate the use of this drug at home. This may be an option to discuss with your veterinarian.

  • Attempt to taper the doses of corticosteroids under your veterinarian's directions. Corticosteroid therapy in cats is often well tolerated, but chronic use can lead to weight gain, obesity and diabetes.


  • Re-evaluate your cat if there is an inadequate response to the above. Schedule a recheck for one to two weeks after an acute attack.

  • Periodic chest X-rays every 6 to 12 months can help follow progression of disease. Understand the relentless nature of this condition in some cats.

  • Restrict calories in obese pets. Obesity worsens lung function.

  • Try to minimize or eliminate dusts and powders from the environment. Change litterPerfect Litter Alert
    Pet Ecology Perfect Litter™ outperforms all other litters in every way. Our Patented formula is ultra lightweight - up to 70% lighter than regul...
    types to sand, newspaper types, or low "dustPerfect Litter Alert
    Pet Ecology Perfect Litter™ outperforms all other litters in every way. Our Patented formula is ultra lightweight - up to 70% lighter than regul...
    " varieties. Clean furnace filters and consider air cleaners/purifiers to reduce environmental pollutants.

  • Try to eliminate smoking in the house (even on a trial basis). Minimize exposure of cats to aerosol sprays such those found in as hairspray or deodorizers.

  • Use Hepa-type air filters to help filter air.

  • Keep a calendar of when asthmatic attack or problems occur to help determine any seasonality that can be associated with specific allergens.

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Can cats get over Asthma?

      Read Dr. Jon's answer to today's question.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Dyspnea (Trouble Breathing) in Cats

      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.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Panting in Cats

      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.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Chronic Coughing 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.

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1Chronic Coughing 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.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Dyspnea (Trouble Breathing) in Cats

      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.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Can cats get over Asthma?

      Read Dr. Jon's answer to today's question.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Panting in Cats

      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.

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1Chronic Coughing 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.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Dyspnea (Trouble Breathing) in Cats

      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.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Can cats get over Asthma?

      Read Dr. Jon's answer to today's question.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Panting in Cats

      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.

      Read MoreRead More