posted by Tess on Dec 2
A sneezing cat is not a good sign. Cat colds are not similar to the common cold that humans experience. It is one of the primary conditions that cause cats to sneeze. If your pet has had a cold before, you will easily be able to recognize the symptoms.
Feline colds also produce symptoms like watery eyes, nasal discharge, coughing and gagging. However, sneezing can also be caused due to other factors that cause more problems that a cat cold.
* Sneezing is one of the symptoms of cat flu along with other symptoms like red eyes, fever and coughing.
* Any feline upper respiratory infection, irrespective of the fact that it is viral, bacterial or fungal, causes sneezing in cats. The most common cat respiratory infections is caused by feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus.
* Dyspnoea or labored breathing is commonly seen in cats and is normally caused due to a decrease in pulmonary ventilation. Along with sneezing, there may also be a nasal discharge, wheezing, facial deformity, snoring and difficulty in swallowing.
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posted by Tess on Nov 3
The throat is the passage to the stomach and lungs and is closely associated with the cat respiratory system. This is the reason why throat problems are a bit difficult to differentiate from feline respiratory diseases. Generally speaking, the term throat problem is used to define hoarseness and difficulty in swallowing.
In anatomy, the throat is the frontal part of the neck. It consists of the larynx and pharynx. The throat also contains several pharyngeal muscles, blood vessels, esophagus and the windpipe (trachea). One of the important features of the throat is the epiglottis, a cartilaginous flap that covers the trachea while swallowing.
The voice box or the larynx is situated at the top of the trachea through which the air passes on towards the stomach and lungs. A past history of frequent respiratory infection by the herpes virus and reckless use of antibiotics may cause damage to the turbinate bones in the nasal cavity. This allows infection to easily occur in the airways and lead to hoarseness in cats. Such respiratory infection, irrespective of the agent that causes it, is characterized by sneezing, coughing and nasal discharge. Most of the viral respiratory infections require treatment only for minimizing the risk of secondary infection. The cat is likely to get back her normal ‘meow’ regardless of disappearance of symptoms on their own or through feline upper respiratory infection treatment.
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posted by Tess on Jan 12
Lung cancer in cats may either be primary or secondary. Primary lung cancer originates in the lung tissue while secondary lung cancer is caused by metastasis from other cancerous sites. Like other cancers, the early signs of lung cancer are not easily detectible and its prevalence is evident only after a chest X-Ray has been done. As the cancer develops some of the clinical signs that emerge are phlegm or blood on coughing, weight loss and anorexia.
A typical primary lung cancer is a single mass but can appear as multiple tumors in its advanced stages. A secondary lung cancer that has spread from another part of the body would almost always appear as multiple masses in different lung lobes.
A confirmed diagnosis is of utmost necessity because some types of fungal infections can also appear as masses in the lungs. If fungal infection is suspected, it can be confirmed by the use of fungal titers or a microscopic analysis of samples taken from the site of the infection. Confirmation of lung cancer is possible only after microscopic examination of a sample obtained through biopsy.
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posted by Tess on Dec 15
Respiratory infections in pets
If you have noticed signs of lethargy, coughing, sneezing, fever and runny eyes or nose, then your pet is probably suffering from a cold or upper respiratory infection. This is an infection of the nose, throat and upper airways similar to when humans get a cold or flu. Cats are particularly prone to respiratory infections, but dogs can also contract them, including the common problem of kennel cough.
You may also notice that your pet has stopped eating; this happens particularly to cats because their appetites are primarily driven by smell. If a cat’s nose is blocked and he cannot smell, he will probably become more picky about what he will eat or stop eating altogether for a few days.
Like humans, pets are also susceptible to secondary sinus and chest infections that can result from an untreated cold or initial upper respiratory infection.
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posted by Tess on Dec 11
Sinus infections
The sinuses are bony cavities in the skull that meet up with the nasal cavities and are prone to infection, especially after a cold or other upper respiratory tract infection.
In cats and dogs, sinus infections may be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses and are sometimes even associated with tooth abscesses. Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) may also be caused by non-infectious ailments such as allergies.
How will I know if my pet has a sinus infection?
Typical signs of a sinus infection are sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing or gagging and a postnasal drip. If your pet has never had such an illness before, it may be wise to have your vet investigate with X-rays or other tests to confirm a sinus infection.
If your pet has had sinusitis before, you will probably recognize the signs. Cats with a sinus infection may stop eating due to a decrease in their sense of smell.
How are sinus infections usually treated?
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posted by Tess on Nov 29
Asthma in pets
Asthma is not just a human disease and can also affect animals, including dogs and cats. When your pet suffers an asthma attack, it is due to inflammation and spasm of the airways as well as excessive production of mucus. This leads to difficulty in breathing.
The sign that most pet owners first notice is coughing. Your pet may also develop wheezing, a whistling sound produced by air traveling through narrowed airways. This sound is usually loudest as your pet exhales. In a severe asthma attack, respiratory distress may occur. Your pet may begin breathing with difficulty through the mouth and you may notice a purple color to the tongue and gums due to a lack of oxygen reaching the blood. This indicates an emergency and your pet should receive medical attention right away.
How will I know if my pet has asthma?
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