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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, briefly known as COPD, occurs when the mucous membranes of the bronchi become inflamed. It typically leads to a cough lasting longer than two months. Despite extensive veterinary investigations, the specific cause of the inflammation is very rarely diagnosed.

COPD progresses slowly in cats and causes irreversible effects. Since COPD is not a curable disease, early diagnosis is important. This way, it may be possible to slow its progression before the disease gets worse. COPD Symptoms COPD is a disease that can manifest itself with multiple symptoms. Cats with COPD may have only one of these symptoms or more than one. Since COPD is a progressive disease, it is necessary to take the cat to a veterinarian for examination without delay if symptoms are observed. The most common COPD symptoms include;

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COPD is a disease that can manifest itself with multiple symptoms. Cats with COPD may have only one of these symptoms, or they may have more than one.

Since COPD is a progressive disease, if symptoms are observed, it is necessary to take the cat to a veterinarian for examination without delay. The most common COPD symptoms include;

• Gagging,
• Crackling or rattling sounds coming from the lungs,
• Difficulty performing routine exercises,
• Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to a severe decrease in oxygen in the blood.

Also, Siamese and American Shorthair breeds have a higher probability of developing COPD than other breeds.

How is COPD Diagnosed in Cats?

To accurately diagnose COPD in your cat, you must first provide the veterinarian with a detailed description of your cat's health history, any symptoms observed, and any recent behavioral changes. Following this, your cat will undergo a thorough physical examination by the veterinarian. Blood and urine tests, as well as a biochemical profile, may be necessary for a COPD diagnosis. Blood gas measurements may also be required to confirm oxygen deficiency in the blood.

Some COPD symptoms can be confused with other health problems such as brain damage and skull fractures. To avoid this confusion, imaging methods such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are used. In some cats, bronchoscopic examination or bronchial tracheal lavage may be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. These procedures are performed under sedation. Finally, considering the symptoms observed in the cat, microscopic examination of cell and tissue samples may be required.

COPD Treatment

Most cats do not need to stay in the clinic unless they show life-threatening symptoms. Usually, home-based medication and oxygen therapy are sufficient. Corticosteroids and bronchodilators are used to reduce airway inflammation and widen the airways to make breathing easier. Cats with lung infections may need antibiotic treatment.

Currently, there is no cure for COPD. However, it is possible to control some symptoms with proper disease management. Weight control, balanced nutrition, and medication both help control the severity of the disease and prevent its progression. In addition, since excess weight makes breathing more difficult in cats and worsens the disease, overweight cats with COPD need to lose weight. In addition to exercise, a balanced diet will help cats stay in shape. You can review specially formulated cat foods to help cats reach their ideal weight by clicking here.

Exercise helps clear secretions from the respiratory tract. Therefore, exercise is recommended for cats with COPD as it makes breathing easier. However, excessive exercise can lead to coughing fits. Excessive coughing is dangerous as it can cause loss of consciousness in cats. Therefore, caution should be exercised during exercise, and the amount of exercise should be gradually increased to allow the cat to develop exercise tolerance. If your cat experiences a persistent coughing fit, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.

Oral health checks are also important points in cats with COPD. Oral health should be taken care of to prevent bacteria from the mouth from causing a secondary infection in the respiratory tract. You can review recommended oral and dental care products to protect oral and dental health in cats and to keep bacterial growth in the mouth under control by clicking here.