Chronic Respiratory Disease
If the breathing sounds different, the airways and lungs should be examined together.
Signs to watch for
- A honking, goose-like cough
- Louder snoring and labored breathing
- Coughing worsens after excitement or drinking water
- Moments when the tongue turns bluish
- Wheezing sounds while breathing
* A cat repeatedly crouching as if to bring up a hairball may actually be coughing from asthma.
What causes it?
Tracheal collapse
The windpipe narrows like a squashed straw. It is common in small breeds, and symptoms worsen with excitement and heat.
Chronic bronchitis
Long-standing inflammation in the airways makes coughing habitual. Management focuses on reducing irritation and controlling inflammation rather than eliminating it completely.
Feline asthma
An allergic reaction narrows the airways. Like human asthma, sudden breathing crises can occur, so consistent control matters.
How we diagnose & treat
- 1
Step 1. History & auscultation
A video of the coughing at home helps greatly. We review the pattern and triggers.
- 2
Step 2. Chest X-ray
We evaluate tracheal diameter, bronchial patterns, and the lungs and heart.
- 3
Step 3. Differential testing
Blood tests, and echocardiography when needed, to distinguish from heart disease and infection.
- 4
Step 4. Treatment & environment
Medication combined with weight, harness, and humidity adjustments to reduce recurrence.
Key conditions
- Tracheal collapse
- Chronic bronchitis
- Feline asthma
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Pneumonia
- Rhinitis · post-nasal drip
FAQ
A video of your pet coughing at home is extremely helpful for diagnosis. Notes on when and in what situations the coughing occurs are also useful.
Contact Us
Ask us about these symptoms
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