TL;DR: A chronic dry cough in cats often indicates underlying issues like feline asthma or bronchitis and is frequently mistaken for hairballs. While typically a medium urgency, seek emergency care immediately if your cat displays open-mouth breathing or blue gums.
What are the symptoms and causes of a chronic dry cough in cats?
- A persistent, non-productive hack that lasts for several weeks.
- Often sounds like repetitive wheezing or a harsh, dry sound.
- Frequently mistaken for an attempt to hack up a hairball.
- Common underlying causes include feline asthma, chronic bronchitis, or parasitic infections like heartworm.
- Indicates that the lower airways are inflamed or irritated, requiring medical investigation to prevent permanent lung damage.
When is a cat's chronic dry cough considered an emergency?
- The urgency level is typically Medium, requiring a scheduled veterinary appointment.
- Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if the cough is accompanied by open-mouth breathing.
- Emergency signs include blue-colored gums or extreme lethargy.
- These symptoms indicate acute respiratory distress.
How can photos and videos help a veterinarian triage my cat's cough?
- Cats often stop coughing at the clinic due to stress, so video provides essential evidence.
- A video allows the vet to observe specific postures, such as an elongated neck and crouched body.
- Helps the veterinarian differentiate between a true cough, a gag, or reverse sneezing.
- Provides the necessary information for a much faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats presenting with chronic dry cough, potential causes such as feline bronchial asthma should be considered, which may manifest with cyanosis, dyspnea, and eosinophilia. Diagnosis is achieved through history, clinical signs, and exclusion of other etiologies. Thoracic radiographs may reveal increased linear and peribronchial markings. Bronchoscopy can aid in visualizing inflamed epithelium and mucopurulent mucus. For persistent, nonproductive coughing, antitussives may be considered. If conservative medical management fails, further diagnostics, including thoracic and cervical tracheal radiographs, bronchoalveolar lavage, or transtracheal wash for cytology and culture sensitivity, are indicated to identify the underlying cause. Oral or inhaled corticosteroids are indicated for the treatment of feline asthma, and bronchodilators may also be considered.
Chapter: Respiratory
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1491)