© Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital FELINE DISEASES
Asthma (Allergic bronchitis)
Asthma (allergic bronchitis) is an obstruction of the lower airways
(bronchioles) as a result of a hypersensitivity (type1) reaction
secondary to allergens (particles to which the cat is allergic)
such as bacteria, dust mites, pollens etc. The muscles around
the bronchioles spasm, mucus production is increased and the lining
becomes inflamed. In acute cases dyspnoea (breathing difficulty)
is the main presenting sign. Coughing is common in more chronic
cases. One of the main distinguishing features of asthma is an
expiratory (breathing out) wheeze. Any age of cat may be effected however the chronic form is more
prevalent from middle-age. Xrays may show thickening of the bronchioles
and in advanced cases some emphysema (air trapped in the lung
tissue). Blood tests may show eosinophilia. It is also important
to rule out the presence of lungworm (aelurostrongylus) as an
underlying cause. Acute disease can be a medical emergency requiring oxygen, rapid
acting corticosteroids, bronchodilators (aminophyline, terbutaline)
and occasionally adrenaline (epinephrine). Chronic cases are usually managed with corticosteroids and bronchodilators
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