Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lower respiratory infections in cats and how to treat them
By Foster, Susan F & Martin, Patricia·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2011·Vetnostics, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Lower respiratory tract infections in cats: reaching beyond empirical therapy.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with breathing problems may be suffering from a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), which can be caused by various germs like bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Diagnosing LRTIs in cats can be tricky since symptoms can be vague and similar to other conditions like asthma. It's important for veterinarians to conduct thorough tests, including lung examinations, to identify the exact cause before starting treatment. Using the wrong medication, like those for asthma, can worsen the cat's condition if an infection is present. Proper diagnosis and targeted treatment can help ensure the cat recovers effectively.
People also search for: cat breathing problems treatment · lower respiratory infection in cats · cat asthma vs infection · how to diagnose cat lung issues
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in cats can be due to bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses. This review details the practical investigation of these infections and highlights specific therapy where possible. The aim is to avoid the all-too-frequent temptation in practice to treat cats with lower respiratory tract signs empirically for feline bronchial disease (FBD)/asthma. This is potentially hazardous as immunosuppressive therapy for FBD/asthma could exacerbate disease due to a LRTI. Empirical treatment of suspected LRTI is also difficult to recommend given the wide range of potential pathogens. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Making a clinical ante-mortem diagnosis of LRTI in a cat can be challenging. Consistent historical, clinical, haematological and radiographic abnormalities are often lacking and findings may be non-specific. Astute clinical acumen, thorough investigation and high quality laboratory analysis are usually required for a diagnosis. Bronchoalveolar lavage, if feasible, and tests for lungworm should be routine in cats with lower respiratory tract signs. Lung fine needle aspiration may be useful in cases of diffuse or nodular pulmonary disease. Histopathology is rarely employed in ante-mortem investigations. EVIDENCE BASE: The authors have reviewed a substantial body of literature to provide information on many of the reported bacterial, parasitic, fungal and viral pathogens, including some that occur in Asia. Attention has been given to specific therapy for each pathogen, with evidence-based comments when there is a deviation from routine recommendations.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21515220/