Cat COPD Symptoms

COPD symptoms in cats are something that should be evaluated immediately. While it can sometimes be difficult to determine the true cause of COPD in cats, it is important that the cat receive prompt medical treatment that will increase its longevity and make breathing more comfortable. COPD is an irreversible medical condition, but the symptoms of COPD in cats can be alleviated through effective treatment.

COPD in Cats Explained

In order to understand COPD symptoms in cats, you must first understand the condition. COPD is an abbreviation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and it is a rather common medical ailment in both the Siamese breed and domestic shorthair. In the lungs, the bronchi carry oxygen from the trachea into the lungs. When these bronchi are chronically inflamed, either due to a flare up or irritant, it is recognized as COPD. Again, the effects of this disease are irreversible in cats; however, there are several treatments that can be tried until the most effective one is found.

COPD Symptoms in Cats

Now, to determine whether or not your cat needs medical attention, you will need to learn to identify the symptoms of COPD in cats. Any of the symptoms below may indicate COPD in cats and should be evaluated medically.

  • Wheezing or crackling sounds when breathing
  • Lack of endurance with normal activities or exercise
  • Blue tint of the paws, ears, or nose (indicating a lack of oxygenation)
  • Difficulty inhaling with or without gasping
  • Fainting

It is important to note that wheezing and crackling sounds during inhalation are very similar to asthma. Because both conditions can be life-threatening when left untreated, you should always seek medical attention for the cat at first notice of this symptom.

It is not uncommon for cats with COPD to lack the desire to take part in normal, playful activities. When the bronchi are inflamed and the amount of oxygen being inhaled is reduced, the cat will not be able to tolerate the activity.

Also, if you notice that the cat has become cyanotic, extremities or ears are developing a blue color, you need to seek medical attention immediately, as this indicates a severe lack of oxygen supply in the blood. When this symptom is noticed, the cat’s body may start to shutdown and resulting in fainting.

Cat COPD Treatment

Once the diagnosis of COPD has been confirmed, the next step is to determine which treatment method will be most effective for the cat. Treatment for this condition, however, usually includes a few different medical remedies.

The first is at-home oxygenation. When a flare of the COPD occurs, you may have to administer oxygen at home as a life-saving measure. This is not typically something that is done regularly, but rather when the effort to breathe becomes severely affected. The next method of treatment for cat COPD symptoms is medication, either a corticosteroid or a bronchodilator. Both remedies work to decrease the inflammation and dilate the bronchi so that air can reach the lungs.

 

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