Anyone know anything about feline asthma?

[ancientgirl]

I am beginning to suspect very much Oksana has asthma. This week she's exhibiting signs of what I have thought to be trying to cough up a hairball. Early this morning she was at it again. It's happening more frequently, and a little while ago I found some videos of cats in the throes of an attack, and it looks just like what she does.

I've made an appointment for her to see her vet, but can't get her in until April 6.

Does anyone know of a natural substance I can give her in the meantime until I can get her in? I know honey is a good natural inhibitor for asthma attacks, but I don't know if that's okay to give to cats.

I just called the vet's office and asked them to call me if there are any cancellations this evening. Hopefully there are and they can get me in there for her.

I feel terrible I haven't realized this before:sad:

[Chris21711]

AG - you've gotta stop feeling terrible about things. You can't know everything about cats at the first happening.

Kale has Asthma - at first he was treated for a possible chest infection...when it did not clear up, xrays were taken and voila - asthma. When he has attacks he is given prednisone and within a few days it clears up.

In the event that it does not clear up as it should then they go on a puffer just like you....To date we have not had to go that route.

[ancientgirl]

Chris, I know you are correct. I just feel bad I didn't realize this earlier.

So, let me see if I understand this. When Kale has an attack, you give him the medication and continue it for a few days, then stop? Then at some point when he has another attack you do the same?

I know I keep hearing negatives and positives about prednisone, so I just wanted to be clear about how you use it to control Kale's episodes.

[Chris21711]

Originally Posted by ancientgirl

Chris, I know you are correct. I just feel bad I didn't realize this earlier.

So, let me see if I understand this. When Kale has an attack, you give him the medication and continue it for a few days, then stop? Then at some point when he has another attack you do the same?

Yep, I think we give 1 pill daily for three days, then 1/2 for a couple of days then every other day for a few days. (I would have to check with my daughter on the dosage, since she is normally the one to medicate him) If after a few days it clears up then we discontinue the meds.

I know I keep hearing negatives and positives about prednisone, so I just wanted to be clear about how you use it to control Kale's episodes.

It does have its negatives and positives, he doesn't have a lot of attacks. This last winter he had one that lasted about 1 week but hasn't experienced one since. My daughter's friend who is a Vet Tech, has a cat with severe Asthma, it was coincidental her cat had a flare-up at the same time and she was giving Spencer 2 pills a day plus his puffer, it was that bad.

Maybe there are other meds out there that are just effective I really don't know.

[ancientgirl]

Okay, that makes sense. Does he have a lot of episodes? Or is he pretty well controlled that he only has them once in a while?

[Chris21711]

No he doesn't have them that often, sometimes if they are mild, we don't medicate at all.

I see SCM is replying to your thread, I am waiting, hoping I can learn from what she has to say.......Hurry up SCM then I can log off

[sugarcatmom]

Ancientgirl, you may want to bookmark this website: http://www.fritzthebrave.com/ It's the ultimate source of info on feline asthma.

Something else to consider is what in Oksana's environment might possibly be triggering the asthma (if that's what it turns out to be). In many cases it's impossible to determine, but there are things that can help minimize attacks. Dusty litter is a common source, as are perfumed laundry detergents or cleaning products.

As for prednisone use, if it's needed then it's needed. It can be a lifesaver. Dr. Padrid, a specialist on feline asthma, is a big advocate of using inhaled meds with an Aerokat spacer (more info on the above link). There aren't the same side-effect risks as with pred.

Hope that helps, and good luck!

[ancientgirl]

Originally Posted by sugarcatmom

Ancientgirl, you may want to bookmark this website: http://www.fritzthebrave.com/ It's the ultimate source of info on feline asthma.

Something else to consider is what in Oksana's environment might possibly be triggering the asthma (if that's what it turns out to be). In many cases it's impossible to determine, but there are things that can help minimize attacks. Dusty litter is a common source, as are perfumed laundry detergents or cleaning products.

As for prednisone use, if it's needed then it's needed. It can be a lifesaver. Dr. Padrid, a specialist on feline asthma, is a big advocate of using inhaled meds with an Aerokat spacer (more info on the above link). There aren't the same side-effect risks as with pred.

Hope that helps, and good luck!

Thanks SCM! I already found that site on the About.cats.com site. It's a very good site. I also saw the Aerokat, which looks interesting.

Right now, I'm trying to get as much information as I can. So I know what to ask the vet.

I'm using the Swheat Scoop for them, but I've noticed now and then, they come out of the litter box with a dusty head so I'm wondering if this can be one of the causes for her. I don't use detergent with any dyes or perfumes because when they were kittens they liked to suck on the sheets, so since then I just by the stuff with nothing like that in it. Tomorrow, I'm actually having someone come and professionally clean my bathroom and kitchen, which is the hardest for me to clean because of my own asthma. That way those two things will be free of germs or mold, in case that may be the issue.

I'm trying to get in to see the vet tonight so I can have a better idea, if this is what she's got, which by my untrained eye looks to be what it is. :sad:

Chris, thank you for allowing me to pick your brain. I have a better sense of living with an asthmatic cat.

[ancientgirl]

I just got back from the vet. Have I said how much I love my gang's vet?

I was able to get an appointment. She saw Oksana, listened to her lungs and said they sounded clear. She asked me some questions, and she said it doesn't sound like she's got asthma. There was a vet tech there who has had and taken care of cats for over 40 years. She said her cat does the exact same thing I was describing.

My vet said that we should see how things went for a few weeks, if I wanted we could do an x-ray, in the future, just to ease my mind. But she did not believe there was anything to worry about. She told me that it could well be a reverse sneeze, or Oksana could be reacting to something around the house. Dust, some perfume, a new scent. She recommended I buy some Childrens benadryl, and next time she had another episode to give her 1ml of it.

And, she didn't charge me for anything. I'm glad I took Oksana, because my mind is a bit more at ease.

[sugarcatmom]

Originally Posted by ancientgirl

And, she didn't charge me for anything. I'm glad I took Oksana, because my mind is a bit more at ease.

Amazing. I love to hear about the good vets.

And that's great news about Oksana. What a relief!

[krdahmer]

See told you so! Glad she's ok! (and your mind is at ease)

[ancientgirl]

SCM, their vet is a dream of a person. If she ever went to another practice in the area, I'd most certainly go along with her.

Kr, LOL, yep you did, but I don't think I'd be me if I didn't worry myself to death.

I had the apartment professionally cleaned today, so I'm hoping this helps all of us. You wouldn't believe the amount of cat hair she got off the carpet on the steps and on the rugs.

[Love4himies]

If you can, take a video with your camera and bring it to the vet to view. The diagnosis will be so much easier for the vet to make.

[ancientgirl]

L4H, I have the camera ready for that. I tried taking one before, but by the time I'd get to the camera, she was done. So, lately I've been just taking the camera upstairs at bedtime and then I keep it next to me the rest of the time.

I need to take Kiska back in to be rechecked for her liver and I also need to get Czari's teeth cleaned in the next couple of months. If Oksnaa does it again, hopefully I'll be able to catch it. I'll post it here if I do.