Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
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Bacterial culture
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Fungal blood titer and/or culture
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Skull X rays
•
Rhinoscopy (examination of the back of the nasal passages
with a fiberoptic scope)
•
Nasal biopsy
•
Tracheal or bronchial wash
•
Bronchoscopy
Other possible diagnoses are nasopharyngeal polyps (growths that
block the back of the throat), inflammatory conditions, sinus infections
and neoplasia (abnormal tissue growths). These other diseases will not
respond to conventional upper respiratory infection treatments.
COULD YOUR CAT HAVE ASTHMA?
Cats do get asthma. Asthma is a form of bronchitis—an inflammation
of the large airways in the lungs called the
bronchi
. In asthma attacks, the
muscles surrounding the airways constrict and the internal lining of the
airways swell. This combination blocks adequate oxygen from passing
through and creates respiratory difficulty.
Allergies or irritants can cause asthma, and since asthma affects the
lungs, it is a lower respiratory disease with serious implications. Diseases
that affect the lower respiratory tract are potentially more dangerous
because the lungs can be permanently damaged.
Signs of Asthma
The clinical signs associated with asthma include:
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Coughing
•
Gagging
•
Increased respiration rate
•
Open-mouth breathing
•
Wheezing
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Lethargy
•
Difficulty breathing and distress
The number and severity of the clinical signs is usually in proportion
to the severity of the asthma. Asthma can progress to a life-threatening
