2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
As with any living creature, cats often have various he alth problems. Of particular danger are diseases of the respiratory system. In recent years, veterinarians have increasingly diagnosed pets with pneumonia. In cats, the symptoms and treatment of this disease will be discussed in today's article.
Disease types
Pneumonia is a serious infectious process, accompanied by intoxication of the whole organism. Delayed treatment often results in various complications leading to the death of a sick animal. In modern veterinary practice, several types of pneumonia are distinguished. It can be bacterial, aspiration, parasitic, viral or fungal.
In the first case, the causative agent of the disease most often becomes pneumococcus, in the second - the ingress of foreign objects, liquid or food into the respiratory tract, in the third - roundworms that develop in the lung tissue. The most severe and intractable is fungal pneumonia in a cat, the causative agent of whichis a Cryptococcus.
Depending on the localization of the inflammatory process, total, lobar and segmental forms can be distinguished. In the first case, the disease covers the entire lung, in the second, it affects certain areas. There are also chronic, subacute and acute pneumonia.
Reasons
Inflammation of the lungs develops under the influence of a whole complex of factors that reduce the body's resistance. Also, pneumonia in a cat can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, severe hypothermia, frequent bathing and exposure to drafts.
Excessively cold water and food are no less a danger to the he alth of the animal. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to feed frozen food to pets. Also, pneumonia can develop as a result of liquid, foreign bodies and even household dust entering the respiratory tract of an animal.
Pneumonia in cats: symptoms
It is very important to recognize this disease in its early stages. So your pet will have a better chance of a favorable outcome. One of the main signs of pneumonia is coughing. It is he who should be the signal that the animal needs to be shown to the veterinarian.
Most often, pneumonia begins acutely and entails a sharp deterioration in the well-being of a pet. The stronger the cat's body, the slower the symptoms of the disease will develop. Inflammation of the lungs is usually accompanied by a cough. At the initial stage, it will be dry. As the disease progresses, the cough will become wet andexpectoration will start.
Most cats diagnosed with pneumonia have difficulty breathing. This is due to a violation of the normal functioning of the lungs. In sick animals, small and large bubbling rales are clearly audible.
Also, bacterial bilateral pneumonia in cats is accompanied by high fever. It is she who is considered the main sign of intoxication of the body. Atypical forms of pneumonia occur without fever. The animal becomes lethargic, it drinks a lot and refuses to eat.
Diagnostic Methods
One of the main tests to accurately recognize inflammation of the lungs is a chest x-ray. As a rule, it is done in a lateral and direct projection. Thanks to this, the specialist will be able to carefully examine all parts of the lungs.
To determine the severity of the infectious process, the animal takes a general blood test. To accurately determine which pathogen caused pneumonia in a cat, a veterinarian must conduct a serological or microbiological study. It is also advisable to take tests for helminthic invasions. In addition, the doctor must listen to the furry patient. This will establish the nature of wheezing and the so-called silent zones. The latter are foci of inflammation in which breathing is not audible.
Pneumonia in cats: treatment
Animals diagnosed with inflammationlung, prescribe a course of sulfanilamide antibiotics. As a rule, they are administered in the form of injections. If after three days the cat does not show positive dynamics, then she is tested for sensitivity to drugs. This procedure will allow you to choose an effective medicine. The duration of the course is at least twelve days. Even with a clear improvement in the well-being of the pet, you cannot independently cancel the therapy recommended by the veterinarian.
To facilitate the process of removing sputum, the pet is prescribed Bromhexine, Lazolvan or Muk altin. In especially severe cases, infusion therapy is used to reduce intoxication. However, such procedures should be performed exclusively in a veterinary clinic under the supervision of a doctor. This is the only way to avoid the possible development of cerebral or pulmonary edema.
If pneumonia in a cat is complicated by phlegmon or abscess, then immediate surgery is necessary.
Diet and routine
It is advisable to feed a sick and recovering animal with high-calorie, easily digestible food. It is important that the feed contains a large amount of protein. During this period, vitamins and minerals must be introduced into the diet of a shaggy patient. This will strengthen the immune system.
Unilateral and bilateral pneumonia in cats (chronic and acute) greatly weakens the body of the animal. Therefore, it is better to hospitalize young pets in a veterinary clinic.
If for some reason this is not possible, then the pet should be provided with complete rest and high-quality round-the-clock care. Try to disturb your four-legged friend as little as possible. During illness and recovery, move the cat's place to a warm secluded corner.
To facilitate the removal of sputum, it is advisable for a cat to massage daily. In the absence of a high temperature, it is recommended that the animal be given light physical activity that causes coughing.
Preventive measures
As you know, the disease is easier to prevent than to cure. To avoid pneumonia, you need to prevent hypothermia of your pet. Cat food and water should be at room temperature.
To strengthen the immune system, it is important to regularly give your cat vitamin and mineral complexes. It is strictly forbidden to keep the animal in drafts and in the cold. Also, do not forget about the timely vaccination. In addition, it is advisable to systematically fully examine a pet for the presence of chronic diseases.
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