3/5/2023 0 Comments Asthmatic kitty kitty jump![]() Radiographs are also helpful in ruling out other diseases such as cardiac disease, pulmonary parenchymal disease, pleural effusion, or other causes for coughing or respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs help to diagnose asthma based on the appearance of a bronchial or “donut” pattern. If the patient is stable enough for diagnostics, thoracic radiography is my go-to diagnostic (e.g., READ: Please stabilize the patient first with oxygen, sedatives, steroids and bronchodilators first!). Cats with asthma may have an audible wheeze (which can be heard with or without a stethoscope), increased respiratory rate and effort, a pronounced “expiratory push” (or grunt).Īs can be seen in this VETgirl video below, this patient with feline asthma has both an increased respiratory rate and effort as well as a pronounced expiratory push. Not with my hands…with my eyes and ears! Just watching asthmatic cats breathe can help with the diagnosis. While there is no single test, tip, or tool to rapidly diagnose feline asthma, what else helps? Along with the history (e.g., does the pet owner smoke? Does the cough sound like “hacking” up a hairball? Is the coughing triggered by anything?), I first observe the patient. I think of feline asthma…especially in a young to middle-aged cat with an acute-onset of respiratory distress, notably the Siamese and Oriental breeds. When I see a coughing cat I do not think of hairballs (even though pet owners commonly think their cats are coughing from hairballs). While dogs often present to the hospital for coughing as a result of cardiac disease…our feline friends do not agree. Repeat after me…coughing cats are NOT cardiac! Is it cardiac disease or respiratory disease? Garret Pachtinger reviews the coughing cat. ![]() In this VETgirl online continuing education blog, Dr.
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