TL;DR: Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that requires a veterinary exam within 48 hours for mild wheezing, but immediate emergency care is necessary if your cat displays open-mouth breathing or blue-tinted gums.
What is feline asthma and how does it affect my cat?
Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lower airways. Much like in humans, a cat's immune system overreacts to inhaled allergens, causing the small airways to swell and constrict. This results in the characteristic wheezing sound, coughing, or a hunched posture where the cat looks like they are trying to hack up a hairball that never comes.
When is feline asthma considered a medical emergency?
- Non-Emergency (Schedule within 48 hours): If your cat has a persistent cough or intermittent wheeze but is still eating, drinking, and active.
- Respiratory Crisis (Immediate Emergency): If your cat displays open-mouth breathing, blue-tinted gums, or heavy abdominal panting.
How does recording a video of my cat help with triage and diagnosis?
- Captures symptoms at home: Cats are often stressed at the clinic, which can cause their breathing patterns to change or symptoms to disappear due to adrenaline.
- Assesses breathing effort: A video allows the vet to see the physical effort involved in the breathing episode.
- Differentiates conditions: Clear footage helps the veterinarian distinguish between a cardiac issue, a hairball, or true feline asthma.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
For feline asthma, characterized by chronic cough and wheeze associated with spontaneous bronchoconstriction, oral or inhaled corticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone, fluticasone, budesonide) are indicated. Bronchodilators (albuterol, terbutaline) may also be considered. It's important to note that cats are exceptionally responsive to serotonin, which appears to be the major mediator of allergen-induced bronchoconstriction in cats.
Chapter: Respiratory
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1491)