Cat Coughing - Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment of Coughing in Cats |
Overview:Coughing is seen less frequently in cats than it is in dogs. It is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom of a problem. Coughing is a reflex which is initiated by an irritant in the airway. The type of cough often suggests the location & probable cause. [1] What causes coughing in cats?Some causes of coughing include; How is the cause of coughing diagnosed?Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your cat & obtain a medical history from you. The type of cough & other presenting symptoms (if any) may be indicative of the cause. Two such examples below; - A cough which is accompanied by sneezing & nasal discharge may suggest cat flu.
- Coughing accompanied by wheezing may suggest asthma.
- Coughing accompanied by weight loss, anorexia, lethargy may suggest worms.
Some tests your veterinarian may wish to perform include;
- Chest x-ray which may determine the presence of asthma, pleural effusion (a collection of fluid inside the chest cavity around the lung) & heartworm disease.
- Complete blood count.
- Heartworm antibody & antigen tests.
- Fecal flotation which may detect the presence of roundworm eggs.
- Tracheal endoscopy to evaluate the trachea. Biopsies & phlegm may be removed for testing.
- Thoracic fluid analysis where pleural effusion is present.
How is coughing treated?It is important to identify the cause of the coughing & treatment depends on the underlying cause. References:[1] Cat Owners Home Veterinary Handbook - Delbert G. Carlson, D.V.M & James M. Giffin, M.D.
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