How do you treat aspiration pneumonia in cats?
Oxygen therapy, in which your cat is given oxygen through a mask, or at some clinics, placed in a special oxygen machine, is a common treatment for stabilizing your cat. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics will also help stabilize your cat and support its system while fighting off any infection.
What causes pneumonia in kittens?
If particular bacteria, viruses, or fungal organisms invade the nostrils or trachea of your cat, they may lead to infection and inflammation which can lead to pneumonia. Cats with pneumonia will experience breathing difficulties and oxygen deficiency in the blood, which can weaken the immune system.
When to take your cat to the vet for pneumonia?
Fungal pneumonia – This type of pneumonia happens when a fungus, often found in soil or pigeon droppings, is breathed in through the mouth or nose and develops into an infection. If you think your cat may have pneumonia, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
What can cause a cat to get pneumonia?
Cats can contract pneumonia in a few different ways: Infectious pneumonia – This is the most common cause of pneumonia in cats. It is the result of a viral or bacterial infection in the lungs and airways. Aspiration pneumonia – Cats can get pneumonia by inhaling a foreign material, which irritates the sensitive lining of the lungs.
Who is at risk for aspiration pneumonia in cats?
Animals with disorders of the throat or esophagus and those weakened by other diseases have an increased risk for aspiration pneumonia. Disturbances in the normal swallowing mechanism, such as in anesthetized or comatose animals, or in animals with deformities such as cleft palate, may also lead to aspiration pneumonia.
What can you do for a cat with bronchitis?
Thoracic radiography (chest X-ray). There are several characteristic changes seen on lung radiographs in cats with asthma and bronchitis. Radiographs can help eliminate other lung and heart diseases. For instance, feline heartworm disease and lungworm create specific suggestive lesions that can be seen on radiographs.
Fungal pneumonia – This type of pneumonia happens when a fungus, often found in soil or pigeon droppings, is breathed in through the mouth or nose and develops into an infection. If you think your cat may have pneumonia, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
What kind of pneumonia does a kitten have?
Pneumonia is a serious condition that impacts kittens who have untreated upper respiratory infections or who have aspirated.
Animals with disorders of the throat or esophagus and those weakened by other diseases have an increased risk for aspiration pneumonia. Disturbances in the normal swallowing mechanism, such as in anesthetized or comatose animals, or in animals with deformities such as cleft palate, may also lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Thoracic radiography (chest X-ray). There are several characteristic changes seen on lung radiographs in cats with asthma and bronchitis. Radiographs can help eliminate other lung and heart diseases. For instance, feline heartworm disease and lungworm create specific suggestive lesions that can be seen on radiographs.