Bronchitis in cats: symptoms and remedies


Bronchitis in cats is a disease that consists of inflammation of the respiratory tract, bronchi and bronchioles. We will explain what this condition consists of and how you can help your cat.

Bronchitis in cats is an inflammation of the respiratory tract, specifically of the bronchi and bronchioles. The latter allow air to enter and exit the alveoli, when there is the presence of respiratory inflammation there is an excess of secretions which lead to the difficulty of passing oxygen to the alveoli and to the rest of the body.

Feline bronchitis can be acute if it arises suddenly and chronic if it appears slowly and progressively.


SYMPTOMS

As we have said, feline bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is associated with temporary changes in the airways, while chronic bronchitis can result in a permanent change in the airways.

The causes of chronic bronchitis in cats are bacterial infectiondisorders due to hypersensitivityparasites, continuous inhalation of irritating agents of the airways.

The most obvious symptom of a cat suffering from bronchitis is a cough, which can also be accompanied by nauseavomiting and sneezing. Other common symptoms of feline bronchitis can be:

  • lethargy
  • foamy salivation
  • decreased activity
  • a runny nose
  • weight loss
  • lack of appetite (cat’s lack of appetite)
  • fever
  • watery eyes
  • respiratory difficulties

Some of these symptoms are also linked to other pathologies, so it would be advisable to go to the vet in order to define the right diagnosis.

Feline bronchitis is a disease that has been found in all breeds of cats, although Siamese cats appear to be more willing to develop this disease.

It is advisable to keep the cat’s cough under control and any changes you observe in its behavior will be useful to the vet during the visit.


Diagnosis and Treatment

Depending on the symptoms of the cat, the veterinarian can carry out basic tests, such as urinalysisblood testsstool tests. Or he can deepen the diagnosis with tests such as feline leukemia test, feline immunodeficiency test, x-ray, mucus taken in the airways.

To confirm the presence of bronchitis in the cat, the vet needs to do a chest X-ray. In some cases, bronchoalveolar lavage can be performed, in which case anesthesia is needed.

Once the vet has determined the cause of the bronchitis he will prescribe the appropriate medications. If it is a bacterial infection he will prescribe an antibiotic, if it is a question of viruses and parasites he will prescribe antivirals.

As soon as you notice the first symptoms of the disease in your cat, you should call your vet right away, as breathing problems require prompt treatment.

In addition to medical treatment, the cat in this case needs a calm, clean and warm environment to feel comfortable.

Finally, you need to keep the cat’s cough under control as a continuous cough can cause permanent damage to the tissues of the airways and an excessive cough can prevent the cat from eating properly.


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