Feline asthma
Feline asthma ( felin from Latin felis " Cat" ) is an allergic respiratory disease of the domestic cat. It is similar to the bronchial asthma of man and part of the bronchitis complex of the cat. Feline asthma is chronic and can only be treated symptomatically, a cure is not possible so far.
Etiology and pathogenesis
A genetic predisposition to the feline asthma is suspected. As many allergens substances come into consideration ( cigarette smoke, carpet cleaners, perfumed household items such as hair sprays and deodorants as well as treated with chemicals furnishings ). The allergy-triggering factor can be but rarely determined.
As a result of allergic reaction leads to a contraction of the bronchi ( bronchoconstriction ), hypertrophy of the smooth muscle of the bronchi, an increased mucus production and decreased mucus removal by the ciliated epithelium and eosinophilic airway inflammation. The above processes lead to a narrowing of the airways.
Clinical picture
Typical symptoms of feline asthma are coughing and shortness of breath (dyspnea, especially during exhalation ). General other types of disturbance are not observed.
The radiograph shows increased bronchial or interstitial drawing. Occasionally, an extension or collapse ( atelectasis ) of individual lung lobes are detected. With a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, a cytological examination of bronchial done, but eosinophilia is not always detectable.
Differential diagnosis -related infectious bronchitis must be excluded (especially by mycoplasma ), lung worms and heart disease.
Therapy
A causal therapy is not possible. Under certain circumstances, can be realized allergen avoidance by tentatively removed new household inventory. The treatment is carried out by the vet to be administered (eg Aerokat ) (eg Flutide ) by Vorschaltkammer palliative by anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids, either be systemic in the form of tablets (eg prednisolone ) or depot injections or inhalation, where appropriate, in combination with bronchodilator drugs such as aminophylline, theophylline, salbutamol, terbutaline.