Bronchitis in cats

In higher vertebrates, the bronchi are branches of the windpipe. They consist of a mucous membrane and a base formed by several types of muscle tissue. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the epithelial and muscular layers of the bronchial tubes. This disease is quite common in cats, especially during the cold season—early spring and late fall. Since untreated acute bronchitis can become chronic or lead to pneumonia, it's helpful for every cat owner to understand the signs and treatments for this respiratory disease.

Etiology

Bronchitis is classified according to several determining factors. Based on its location, bronchitis is classified as macrobronchitis, when catarrhal symptoms develop in the large and medium bronchi; microbronchitis, when only the small bronchi are affected; and diffuse bronchitis, when inflammation spreads to all parts of the bronchial tree. Depending on the type of exudate produced during inflammation, bronchitis is divided into catarrhal, purulent, and hemorrhagic.

Causes of acute bronchitis in cats may include:

• inhalation of irritating substances (dust, tobacco smoke, aerosols);
• hypothermia (prolonged exposure to cold ground, snow, rain, or drafts);
• currently or recently suffered infectious diseases (rhinotracheitis, adenovirus, bordetellosis);
• parasitic diseases, in particular helminthiasis.

Chronic bronchitis develops as a result of less intense but longer-term exposure to harmful factors, or transforms from an acute form of the disease in the absence of proper treatment.

Symptoms

Bronchitis most often affects older and weakened animals, as well as kittens whose immune systems are not yet fully developed. Siamese cats are the breed most susceptible to this condition.

The main symptom of bronchitis is a cough. It can be dry, whistling, or wet, producing mucus, persistent or worsening after exertion. Due to inflammation and swelling of the bronchial mucosa, copious exudate is observed. Bronchial inflammation may cause symptoms such as:

• dyspnea;
• difficulty breathing;
• apathy, weakness, drowsiness;
• increase in body temperature by 1-2°C;
• refusal to eat;
• vomiting;
• bluish color of the mucous membranes.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing a cat, the veterinarian takes into account the anamnesis provided by its owner (duration of the disease and its symptoms, presence of contact with sick animals, timeliness of vaccinations, living conditions).

In many cases, bronchitis in cats develops as a result of another illness. For example, if a cough is accompanied by a fever, conjunctivitis, or purulent nasal discharge, there's a high probability that the bronchitis is a consequence of an infectious disease. In this case, symptomatic treatment alone will ultimately be ineffective.

To determine the underlying cause of bronchitis in a cat, a specialist may prescribe x-rays and laboratory tests for differential diagnosis:

• blood test - general and biochemical,
• urine analysis,
• stool test for helminth eggs,
• tests for pathogens of HIV (human immundeficiency virus), leukemia, bordetellosis, adenovirus (infectious laryngotracheitis).

Treatment

The treatment plan depends on the underlying cause. For allergic bronchitis, the first step is to eliminate contact with the irritant. Medications used to treat allergic bronchitis include Prednisolone, Lordestin, Dexafort, and Chloropyramine. The active ingredients in these medications block beta-adrenergic receptors, which are responsible for the production of antibodies to the allergen.

For bronchitis of infectious origin, antibiotics (such as Norsulfazole, Streptomycin, and Erythromycin) are prescribed. The course of treatment with these medications usually lasts at least a week. Immunostimulants (such as Gamavit, Glycopin, and Roncoleukin) and vitamins (such as GimCat Multi-Vitamin Tabs) are also mandatory.

Symptomatic therapy involves the use of cough suppressants such as Ambroxol, Bromhexine, Divopride, and Zoo Health. Folk remedies include coltsfoot or licorice root infusions. During the acute phase of the disease, the cat's activity should be limited and kept in a warm, dry room until fully recovered. Feed the cat warm, liquid food such as soups, porridges, and broths.

Prevention

To minimize the risk of your cat developing bronchitis, you should protect it from factors that trigger this disease:

• keep the cat in a warm room without drafts, with sufficient humidity;
• in the cold season, reduce the number and duration of walks;
• use hypoallergenic toilet filler;
• provide the animal with complete nutrition - the cat's diet should include foods containing vitamins, micro- and macroelements;
• use immune-boosting agents (Aminosol, Micro-Plus-Fosprenil, RBS-immunostimulant and others);
• avoid contact with stray and sick cats;
• For cats prone to bronchitis, it is not advisable to use collars.

Regular checkups are essential for preventing bronchitis in cats. Veterinary checkups are recommended at least twice a year.

Read also:

• Asthma in Cats: Symptoms and Treatment
• Why does a cat cough?
• Pulmonary edema in cats

Read also:

• Causes and treatment of runny nose in cats
• Deworming of cats
• Abscesses in cats: symptoms and treatment