Treat feline asthma safely with the AeroKat and inhaled medications

October 19, 7:03 PMCleveland Pet Products ExaminerLeigh A. Peterson

Previous

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Cleveland Pet Products Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

AeroKat Chamber and face masks for cats

Did you know that the same asthma inhalers used for humans with asthma can be administered to cats and dogs?

Meter Dosed Inhalers, or MDIs, such as Flovent and  Albuterol, can safely treat the coughing and wheezing experienced during an asthma attack in cats. They can also help treat canine bronchitis and collapsed trach, which can be deadly to dogs. But, as with babies and small children with asthma who do not yet have the coordination to inhale on que, the inhalers need to be given with the use of a spacer and mask.

Trudell Medical International answered this need with their AeroKat and AeroDawg devices.

Leigh Peterson treats Charlie's asthma with the AeroKat

Cats and dogs diagnosed with asthma and bronchitis are routinely prescribed oral or injection steroids like prednisone. The steroid does treat the symptoms effectively, allowing pets to breathe easier. However, steroids in the blood stream--especially long term--can cause a host of other problems, including weight gain, diabetes, and behavior issues.

Asthma inhalers, or puffers, are steroids that are administered directly to the lungs via inhalation. This means the steroid goes directly to the root of the problem and does not get into the blood stream. Feline asthma can be treated safely and effectively without side effects!  

If your dog or cat suffers from frequent coughing spells (often thought to be hairballs, but no hairball is expelled), wheezing, or labored breathing, an x-ray could help diagnose asthma or bronchitis. If suspected, ask your veterinarian about asthma inhalers. Don't be discouraged if your veterinarian doesn't know about this type of treatment or doesn't seem to support it. There is plenty of help to be found online from pet owners who are very experienced in treating their pets with asthma inhalers. It is even possible to access this type of treatment on your own, without a prescription from your veterinarian.