Investigation and treatment of feline chronic bronchial disease

Abstract

DOMESTIC cats presenting with a chronic cough or wheeze are encountered with some frequency in small animal practice. The problem may be persistent or episodic, and can vary widely in severity. Clinically, many cases resemble human chronic bronchial disease but, with much still to learn about the feline disease, terms as specific as ‘feline asthma’ and ‘chronic bronchitis’ may be misleading. This article reviews the options for investigation available to the veterinary clinician, which are limited compared with the techniques used in the medical field. As discussed, inhaled therapy is becoming an increasingly important component of therapy, again based on experiences gained in human medicine, but at present treatment remains essentially symptomatic.

Evaluation of different cleaning methods for feline inhalation chambers after bacterial contamination

“…It is assumed that cats with chronic inflammatory bronchial disease can develop secondary bacterial infections as a complication. 9 Whether bacterial contamination of inhalation devices can be a risk factor for respiratory infections is so far unknown. While studies have been performed in human medicine investigating contamination of nebulisers used by patients with cystic fibrosis, to our knowledge this is the first study to examine the cleaning protocols for inhalation chambers in veterinary medicine.…”

“…8 As long-term therapy is necessary in most patients with chronic airway diseases, spacer devices are commonly permanently in use. 9 To date, several inhalation devices specifically designed for use in pet cats are available on the veterinary market. Manufacturers of such spacer devices recommend different cleaning procedures for decontamination.…”

Inhalative Therapie chronischer Erkrankungen der unteren Atemwege bei Hund und Katze – eine Literaturübersicht

“…Bisher wurden GK für diese Indikationen bei Hund und Katze oft oral oder, vor allem bei Katzen, als Depotinjektion verabreicht 32 . Mittlerweile ist auch die topische Applikation mittels Inhalation eine etablierte Therapieoption 13 , 20 , 33 .…”

“…SAL ist ein inhalativer, schnell- und kurzwirksamer ß2-AA. Bei Tieren, welche bereits an eine IK gewöhnt sind, kann inhalatives SAL bei Bronchospasmus auch als Notfallmedikament eingesetzt werden 15 , 33 , 71 .…”

“…Das langwirksame SLM kann hingegen auch langfristig verabreicht werden, es hat jedoch eine geringere und protrahierte Wirksamkeit als die kurzwirksamen BD, wodurch es zur Notfalltherapie instabiler Patienten mit Dyspnoe nicht geeignet ist 15 , 33 .…”