Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat owner survey on managing chronic lower airway disease
By Paulin, Mathieu V et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2022·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Online survey to determine client perceptions of feline chronic lower airway disease management: response to therapy, side effects and challenges encountered.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A survey of cat owners found that many cats with chronic coughing due to feline lower airway disease (FLAD) were treated with medications like glucocorticoids and bronchodilators. While most owners reported that these treatments significantly reduced coughing and were satisfied with the results, nearly half experienced side effects from glucocorticoids, such as increased appetite and thirst. Many owners also had difficulties giving these medications, especially bronchodilators, either in pill form or through inhalation. Overall, the treatments helped improve the cats' symptoms, but the challenges of administering them and managing side effects remain a concern for pet owners.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The first aim of this survey was to report client experiences associated with the administration of common medications, particularly glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, in managing cats with feline lower airway disease (FLAD). The second aim was to ascertain client perception of response to treatment and level of satisfaction. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. An online survey was distributed worldwide to cat owners caring for cats with a chronic cough. Only cats reported to have FLAD were included. RESULTS: A total of 153 complete responses describing cats with FLAD were analyzed. Glucocorticoids and bronchodilators were the predominantly prescribed therapeutics for 140/153 (92%) and 80/153 (52%) of FLAD cats, respectively. Oral and inhalant administration routes were reported most commonly: glucocorticoids (64% oral and 75% inhalant) and bronchodilators (21% oral and 88% inhalant). A review of how air quality could be improved was conducted for 54% of cats. Almost half (43%) of owners reported adverse effects secondary to glucocorticoid administration, the most frequent being polyphagia (26%) and polydipsia (21%). Only 10% of owners reported bronchodilator-associated side effects, with restlessness (9%) being the most common. Difficulties giving glucocorticoid or bronchodilator tablets orally were reported for 33% and 71% of owners, respectively. Glucocorticoid or bronchodilator inhalant therapies were difficult to administer for 28% and 31% of owners, respectively. Frequency and severity of coughing were significantly lower after at least 2 months of treatment, with median numerical input on a slider scale (0-100) of 48 and 42 before, and 10 and 7 after treatment, respectively (<0.0001). Median numerical input of owner satisfaction was 83%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Despite significant improvements in client-reported responses to treatment, challenges associated with the administration of medications and their adverse effects still exist. Promoting awareness of client experiences can facilitate appropriate follow-up, guidance and empathy to further optimize outcomes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35125012/