Asthma
Your pet has just been diagnosed with asthma. This condition occurs when the bronchi fill with secretions and their walls become invaded by inflammatory cells. This results in the narrowing of the bronchi’s airways and reduces air circulation within the lungs. Your cat will then have difficulty breathing. This translates into the following symptoms: cough, an increase in the rate of respiration, a wheezing sound which is more pronounced upon exhalation, open-mouthed breathing, and an increase in breathing volume with or without an abdominal component. In severe cases, the mucosa of the mouth may turn blue and your cat may die .
The treatment aims in dilating the bronchi to increase the available space for air to circulate as well as, decreasing the inflammatory reaction. To accomplish this, we may have prescribed the following medications;
- Prednisolone : Prednisolone is a steroidal anti-inflammatory of the glucocorticosteroid family. Some of the side-effects may include polyuria (increased frequency in urination), polydipsia (increased frequency in drinking) , and polyphagia (increased appetite). Prednisolone may become toxic for the kidneys and liver, and may cause diabetes over long-term use.
- A fluticasone propionate inhaler (corticosteroid aerosol): There are no side-effects as opposed to the prednisolone. However, it only reaches its full effectiveness within 7 to 10 days. It is therefore important to administer prednisolone during this time.
-Salbutamol (bronchodilator): When used at the same time as the fluticasone propionate inhaler, it must be given first, to improve the effect of the fluticasone propionate inhaler .
For use of an inhaler, we recommend using an aero-chamber system. This is equipped with a mask, adapted to the shape of a cat's snout, a chamber, serving as a reservoir for the product, as well as an opened end, to insert the inhaler.
Your cat may resist the application of the mask on his snout and therefore, to facilitate the use of this system, we recommend that you follow these directions:
- Prepare the aero-chamber system before beginning, Assemble the three pieces together, as well as attaching the inhaler.
- Place your cat on your lap or on a table and stand behind him.
- Press the inhaler the prescribed number of times, so that the product flows into the chamber.
- Do not worry about the medication escaping from the cylinder. It is equipped with a special valve that prevents the aerosol from escaping until your cat breathes it in.
- Gently place the mask on his snout and allow him to breathe for 7-10 seconds.
-Following the administration of the fluticasone propionate inhaler, it’s very important that you rinse his mouth with water afterwards.
According to the severity of the symptoms, this protocol may vary. Therefore, contact us if there are any changes in his condition or if you have any questions.
Good luck!
- Prepare the aero-chamber system before beginning, Assemble the three pieces together, as well as attaching the inhaler.
- Place your cat on your lap or on a table and stand behind him.
- Press the inhaler the prescribed multiple times, so that the product flows into the chamber.
- Do not worry about the medication escaping from the cylinder. It is equipped with a special valve that prevents the aerosol from escaping until your cat breathes it in.
- Gently place the mask on his snout and allow him to breathe for 7-10 seconds.
-Following the administration of the fluticasone propionate inhaler, it’s very important that you rinse his mouth with water afterwards.
According to the severity of the symptoms, this protocol may vary. Therefore, contact us if there are any changes in his condition or if you have any questions.
Good luck!
This protocol may vary depending on the severity of symptoms, so contact us immediately if you notice any changes in the state of your cat or if you have any questions.
Good luck!