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Tails First120 N. Dixon Rd Suite 131, Kokomo, IN, 46901Phone: NAWebsite: TailsFirst.com My cat has asthma. My veterinarian has suggested I switch from oral to inhalant medications.
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes narrowing and swelling of the airways in the lungs. Most cats with asthma willexperience coughing, difficulty breathing, open-mouth panting, and other respiratory distress. In severe cases, death mayoccur in severe cases that remain untreated.
For cats that have frequent and persistent symptoms, traditional treatment involves administering corticosteroids (steroids)or other drugs (bronchodilators) that open and reduce swelling in constricted airways. For cats that have only occasionalsymptoms, a metered dose inhaler (puffer) may be used whenever an asthma event occurs. Depending on the severity of thedisease, an inhaler can be a lifesaver for cats suffering from asthma.
Inhaled steroids are associated with fewer side effects than oral steroids Why is an inhaler better for my cat than oral medications? Cats that experience daily asthma symptoms will require higher doses of medication. Because long-term steroid use canhave undesirable side effects (such as increased chance of certain infections, poor wound healing and weight gain to namea few) and inhaled steroids are associated with fewer side effects than oral steroids, administering steroids by inhaler ispreferred.
Is there a specific type of inhaler for cats, and how do I use it? Several types of inhalers work well in cats. There are inhalers that are speciallydesigned for cats (e.g., AeroKat). It uses a standard asthma puffer attached to asoft facemask and aerosol chamber (where the medication is stored). Asthmamedications, including a steroid such as fluticasone propionate (e.g., Flovent)and a bronchodilator such as albuterol (e.g., Proventil or Ventolin), can beeasily given using an inhaler. Most cats readily accept the inhaler with littleassociated anxiety or nervousness, and administration of the medication takesonly a few seconds. Your veterinarian will demonstrate safe and correct use ofthe inhaler.
Sample Asthma Inhaler Instructions in Cats Asthma puffers come in many sizes and medication concentrations. Verify that the inhaler you are using matches your veterinarian's current prescription.
Remove the safety cap from the asthma medication puffer.
Insert the asthma puffer into the inhaler chamber where instructed in the manual, and shake for 5 to 10 seconds Place your cat in a safe and secure area on a towel or other soft surface.
Gently place the inhaler mask around your cat's nose and mouth. Ensure that you have a good seal around your cat's The AeroKat inhaler has a special indicator that alerts you when you have an adequate seal and when your cat is breathing in. This special inspiratory indicator will flutter when your cat is inhaling.
When your cat inhales, activate the puffer.
Continue to hold the inhaler mask in place for an additional five to six breaths.
Follow your veterinarian's recommendations regarding frequency of administration.
10. Reward your cat with praise and a special meal if your veterinarian approves.
11. Be sure you know when to replace your cat's inhaler. It can be difficult to determine when many inhalers are out of theactive ingredient. With experience, it is easy to tell by weight when an inhaler is out of ingredient, but you can always give ita shake and test it before administering.
This client information sheet is based on material written by: Ernie Ward, DVM Copyright 2011 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

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