Symptoms and signs of pneumonia in cats. Treatment of the disease in kittens and cats. What does an x-ray of the lungs show in pneumonia? Consequences of pneumonia in cats.

Pneumonia in cats is a fairly serious disease and is not so rare. Not only an old, weakened animal can catch pneumonia. One difficulty is that this pathological condition is not easy to diagnose, so most often the animal dies from the lack of appropriate therapeutic care. The most important predisposing factors are considered to be hypothermia and poor nutrition, therefore the group at increased risk for morbidity includes:

• weak, premature offspring;
• cats from shelters with overcrowded conditions;
• stray animals;
• weakened individuals after any illness, plus the elderly.

Pneumonia can lead to various consequences and disruptions in the functioning of not only the lower, but also the upper respiratory tract. The worst consequence is death.

Causes of pneumonia

Most often, pneumonia in cats is due to 3 reasons. These include:

• bruises or open wounds of the chest;
• infectious (fungal, bacterial, viral) diseases, helminthiases and protozoan infections;
• involuntary ingestion (aspiration) of liquids (medicines, vomit) and foreign objects (insects, small debris).

Separately, it is worth noting pneumonia in a kitten caused by doctor’s negligence. If the baby is prescribed artificial feeding, then incorrect insertion of the tube can injure his lung tissue.

In addition to the main cause, there are also predisposing factors that undermine the animal’s immunity. These include:

• lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet;
• lack of vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment;
• recent surgery, chemotherapy, or long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs;
• untreated diseases;
• neglect of hygiene;
• the presence of allergic reactions;
• hypothermia;
• frequent stress.

Regardless of the cause, the possible consequences are always equally dangerous. They can be avoided if warning signs are detected early.

Feeding a cat when sick

Considering how much a pet weakens during illness, feeding a cat during illness also becomes of great importance:

• If the cat does not eat at all, “feed” it by injecting a glucose solution intravenously.
• When the pet's condition begins to improve, it can be given veterinary holistic treatments. We recommend special lines from Purina and Hills.
• If it is not possible to purchase holistic supplements, a weakened cat is fed boiled chicken or rabbit. Beef liver is given three times a week, and low-fat cottage cheese three times a week.
• By the end of the second week of treatment, the animal can be transferred to its usual diet.

Symptoms of pathology

The severity of symptoms of pneumonia in cats depends on the form and severity of the disease. It is most difficult to notice changes in chronic pathology characterized by a sluggish course, or at the very early stage. In these cases, the symptoms are slightly different from the common cold. More precisely, the pathology is confirmed by specific signs:

• discharge of serous (serum-like), fibrinous (dense in consistency) or purulent exudate from the nose;
• frequent sneezing;
• breathing problems and wheezing;
• increased heart rate;
• blueness of mucous membranes;
• dry cough, gradually turning into wet;
• loss of consciousness.

A sick pet loses activity and often sleeps. His appetite decreases or completely disappears. The presence of fever is typical only in cases of infection; in other cases, the temperature does not rise above 0.5 °C.

What is pneumonia and how does it happen?

As many people know, pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs. But because there are many types of inflammatory processes, most veterinarians prefer to classify pneumonia according to the location of the pathological process and the extent of tissue coverage:

• Focal type , sometimes this type of pneumonia is called “local”. A small area of ​​the organ is affected, and in cases where the pathology is diagnosed on time, the prognosis for recovery is good.

• Segmental type. An entire segment (or several) is affected, i.e. complex, package of alveoli. It all depends on the area and location of the affected tissue area. If the segment is small and it is on the surface of the lung, then the animal (subject to timely diagnosis and treatment) will most likely recover. But damage to segments in the thickness of the lung is fraught with a further increase in the inflammatory focus.

• Share type. With this type, an entire lobe of the lung (a complex of segments) is affected. The forecast is cautious.

• Drain variety. Options are possible here: several areas or segments may merge into one lesion (which is not too dangerous), or several inflamed lobes.

• Total type. As the name suggests, in this case either one lung or both organs are affected. The prognosis is unfavorable, there is a high chance of death.

Danger of pneumonia

Detection of the disease too late can result in damage to most of the lung tissue. This has a detrimental effect not only on the respiratory system, but also on other related organs that fight infectious intoxication.

At-risk groups

The risk group consists of animals deprived of a balanced diet and comfortable living conditions. These include:

• shelter residents living in small, cold spaces with poor ventilation;
• homeless cats forced to fight daily for food and find a roof over their heads;
• pets weakened by chronic diseases or frequent helminthiases.

The age factor should also be taken into account. The weakest immunity is typical for premature kittens and older pets.

Complications

If signs and symptoms of pneumonia appear in a cat, treatment should not be delayed. Diagnosis in late stages leads to an unfavorable prognosis. Prolonged development of the disease is fraught with chronicity of the process, pulmonary edema and blood poisoning.

The kidneys and liver suffer greatly from intoxication. All these changes are a huge burden on the body of a furry pet. With severe damage to the lung tissue, death is inevitable.

Animals at risk

The main factors predisposing to the development of infectious inflammation of the bronchi and lungs are hypothermia and poor nutrition. In this regard, veterinary specialists have identified the following risk groups:

• Premature and weak kittens . In young pets, the immune system is poorly developed, and minor errors in maintenance and feeding can lead to pneumonia.

• Stray cats and cats . Living in the cold, in unheated rooms, street animals are regularly exposed to hypothermia. A poor diet and irregular meals greatly undermine the body's immune system.

• Pets in shelters . In addition to poor nutrition, in such establishments animals are kept crowded, in poorly ventilated, cold rooms, which also provokes disease.

• Animals weakened by other diseases. The presence of helminths, vitamin deficiencies, viral rhinitis and other respiratory pathologies, chronic infectious diseases provoke the development of pneumonia.

• Elderly pets . Pneumonia in an aging cat is a fairly common disease due to decreased immunity and deterioration of thermoregulation processes.

• Pre-existing diseases , especially viral and fungal ones.

• Immunodeficiency conditions.

Pets may be at risk of pneumonia due to prolonged stressful situations, unsatisfactory living conditions, poor nutrition and poor diet. Frequent bathing, as well as feeding your pet frozen foods, provoke inflammation.

We recommend reading about how to treat a cat's wound. You will learn about the causes of wounds, whether there is a need for treatment, and the rules for treating open and purulent wounds. And here is more information about what to do if your cat has severe salivation.

Types of pneumonia

Based on the severity of symptoms and the speed of progression of pneumonia in cats, acute and chronic forms are distinguished. Secondary inflammations include those that arise due to other diseases. If the pathology developed independently, then it is called primary.

Depending on the degree of lung damage, there are 2 forms: lobar and catarrhal. In the first case, inflammation covers most of the lung tissue, and in the second, only a small area.

Due to the inflammatory process, pathology occurs:

1. Aspiration

   . Aspiration pneumonia in cats is not associated with infection. It is caused by chest trauma and inhalation of foreign objects or liquids.

2. Infectious

   . Infectious pneumonia in cats is caused by pathogenic microorganisms: viruses, helminths, bacteria, fungi or protozoan parasites.

The most dangerous forms include bacterial and lobar. If they are detected, artificial ventilation is used to save the animal.

What causes pathology and how is it classified?

Pneumonia is a pathological condition in which an animal has difficulty breathing due to pulmonary edema and narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi due to accumulated pus and fluid. Viruses and bacteria complicate the process, and the following factors can initially provoke the inflammatory process:

• complications due to any respiratory infections, bronchitis;
• chest bruises, injuries, hematomas;
• infection by lung helminths;
• decreased immunity for any reason;
• hypothermia for a long time, reaction to drafts;
• hypothermia after swimming with prolonged exposure to wet hair;
• cold drinking water or food;
• inhaling something foreign.

By the nature of the pathogen, pneumonia is provoked;

• viruses;
• bacteria;
• fungi;
• parasites;
• inhaled foreign bodies (aspiration pneumonia).

Bacterial pneumonia

It is caused by bacteria and is considered the most common form. When sputum is cultured to identify bacteria, Pasteurella spp. is most often isolated. and Bordetella bronch. In addition, cats have a chlamydia form with the specific pathogen Chlamydophila psittaci.

Parasitic (invasive) pneumonia

The name speaks for itself - when infected with worms, this particular form of pathology develops. Most often, roundworms are involved in this, less often - capillaries (Capillaria aerophila) or nematodes (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus). In newborn offspring, the pathology is incurable; infection occurs in utero.

Viral pneumonia

The most difficult form to diagnose, caused by a viral infection. It rarely occurs as an independent disease; most often it occurs as a complication against the background of other infections - for example, calicivirosis and rhinotracheitis. Roto- and coronaviruses act as pathogens. Often complicated by bacteria.

Fungal infection

It can be an independent disease, or it can occur as a complication of the main one. Most often these are cryptococcosis and aspergillosis. It is very difficult to diagnose and takes the longest to treat.

Aspiration pneumonia

Appears when a foreign object enters the respiratory tract. The most common cause of this situation is improper artificial feeding of kittens, when food particles are inhaled, as well as incorrect use of liquid forms of intranasal medications. Also, such pneumonia can develop when inhaling droplets of fine chemical liquids.

It is possible to distinguish one from the other only by blood tests with sputum cultures to isolate the pathogen. Considering the severity of the disease and the rate of progression, a blood test is indicated immediately upon contacting the clinic. It determines the presence of inflammation and its nature.

Accurate diagnosis

Before deciding how to treat pneumonia in a cat, the veterinarian must rule out the presence of pathologies with similar symptoms. A similar clinical picture is typical for pets suffering from calcivirosis, rhinitis, bronchitis, tracheobronchitis and acute tonsillitis. Despite the similarities, the treatment for these diseases is different. Choosing medications on your own can worsen the animal’s condition.

Pathological noises and changes in the boundaries of the affected organ are detected by listening (auscultation) and tapping (percussion) of the chest. This type of examination assesses the physical condition of the lungs.

An x-ray shows a more accurate picture. The veterinarian takes a picture in frontal and lateral projections, which allows one to assess the existing lesions of the lung tissue. The diagnosis is confirmed by identifying a dark spot with blurry boundaries.

The list of mandatory studies also includes blood biochemistry, sputum analysis and bronchial swabs. Based on the results of these tests, the veterinarian confirms the presence of a specific infection. This helps to select drugs aimed at destroying a specific pathogen.

When should a cat be x-rayed?

• Orthopedic and traumatological problems (bone fractures, dislocations, joint damage, spinal problems, bone tumors)
• Respiratory diseases (damages of the lungs, trachea, bronchi). Since the lungs are organs filled with air, x-rays are one of the main means for studying them, since gas interferes with ultrasound.

Thanks to X-rays, the doctor will be able to see pathological changes in the lungs (foci of pneumonia, tumor nodes), diseases of the bronchi (bronchitis), diseases of the trachea (collapse of the trachea, foreign bodies in the trachea) and other pathologies.

• Suspicion of the presence of free fluid or air in the chest and abdominal cavity - an x-ray is necessary when examining a cat after a fall from a window, injuries received in car accidents, as well as when examining animals with cancer.
• Heart disease - in this case, chest x-ray is used in two projections. It is with this routine examination that a veterinary cardiologist begins to examine a cat with suspected heart pathology. An x-ray allows you to evaluate the outline of the heart and large veins and arteries, and based on their shape and size, a diagnosis can be made.
• Suspicion of intestinal obstruction. The x-ray image clearly shows dense foreign objects (bones, stones, metal). If the foreign body is radiolucent, indirect signs of intestinal obstruction (accumulation of gas in previous sections of the intestine) can usually be seen on the image.

The doctor may also use a barium contrast test, in which the cat is injected with barium sulfate. This drug does not harm animals, is clearly visible on x-rays and colors the intestines when moving through it. Barium shows where exactly the blockage is located in the intestine.

This study is harmless to the cat and allows timely treatment to begin. This is a time-consuming method requiring several photographs taken over time. A barium contrast study can take a whole day; in this case, at the request of the owners, the patient can be placed in a day hospital.

• In case of acute dilatation and volvulus of the stomach, radiography can be used to distinguish one condition from another and make a decision about urgent surgery.
• If the doctor suspects your cat has stones in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder (urolithiasis or urolithiasis), their presence or absence can be assessed by regular x-rays.
• If a cat is suspected of having a violation of the integrity of the urinary tract, then a veterinary radiologist at our veterinary clinic can conduct special X-ray studies - intravenous excretory urography and retrograde urography.

These studies consist of monitoring the excretion of a safe radiopaque contrast agent by the kidneys through the ureters into the bladder. As a result of this study, ruptures of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra can be seen.

Contrast staining of the bladder and urethra is also performed, with which you can see stones and tumors that are not visible with conventional x-rays. In addition, retrograde urography allows you to diagnose ectopic ureter (anatomical structural abnormality) with urinary incontinence in puppies and kittens.

• If the doctor suspects that your cat has a portosystemic shunt: (this is a birth defect that occurs in cats - an extra vessel that carries blood from the intestines into the general circulation, bypassing the liver. This blood is rich in ammonia and other toxic metabolic products .

If it is not cleared by the liver and goes directly to the brain, it may cause problems with brain function.) To confirm this diagnosis and understand exactly where the shunt is located, an inert contrast agent is injected into the intestinal vein, and the veterinarian evaluates it using x-rays distribution in or outside the liver.

• X-rays allow you to find out exactly how many fetuses a pregnant cat has after 45 days of pregnancy.
• If a doctor observes symptoms of spinal cord compression, myelography is often used. This is a contrast X-ray examination of the spinal column, with which you can accurately determine the location of the problem area (for example, a herniated disc, a tumor of the spinal cord and its membranes), and thus outline the location of future surgery.

How is pneumonia treated in cats?

Features of treatment and the duration of the recovery period depend on the cause of the disease and the degree of tissue damage. At the initial stage, the animal is treated at home.

If there is extensive damage to the lung tissue, trauma or a foreign body is detected, surgery and artificial ventilation may be necessary. In this case, the pet remains in the hospital until the condition stabilizes.

Veterinarian appointments

In addition to oxygen deprivation, dangerous symptoms include severe exhaustion, fever and complete refusal to eat. In all these cases, the mustachioed patient is provided with first aid in a hospital setting.

If the animal’s condition is unstable or critical, it is important to stabilize it and eliminate the cause of the problems that have arisen. Only after this do doctors begin to restore the lungs, relieve symptoms and stimulate the immune system. Dehydrated and malnourished patients are given intravenous drips. Infusion therapy helps restore strength by bypassing regular feeding.

If a bacterial infection is detected, the patient is prescribed antibiotics (Moxifloxacin, Azithromycin, Levofloxacin, Amoxicillin). To achieve quick results, injection solutions are used. Once in the blood, the active substance immediately reaches the desired organ. The duration of antibiotic therapy ranges from 2 weeks to 1 month. Animals infected with legionella or chlamydia take the longest to treat.

In case of fungal or viral infection, antimycotics or antiviral drugs are prescribed. Helminth infections are treated by taking anthelmintics. If complications occur in other organs, cardiac medications and hepatoprotectors may be required, and in case of edema, diuretics (Furosemide).

During treatment, it is prohibited to use antitussives. They prevent the discharge of sputum, worsening the animal's condition. Mucolytics (Mukaltin, Lazolvan) are used to liquefy it, and expectorants and physiotherapy are used to remove it. Recommended procedures include UHF heating, chest massage and electrophoresis. They are carried out until the cough is eliminated, but are prescribed only after the acute form has been eliminated.

Due to prolonged use of antibiotics, which have a detrimental effect on the immune system, all patients are prescribed immunomodulators (Fosprenil, Gamavit). Particular attention is paid to vitamins B and C. They are administered intramuscularly.

Do not use traditional medicines that are not approved by your doctor. They are effective only in complex therapy and do not eliminate the root cause. Herbal treatment to increase immunity is permissible only in the absence of allergies.

Nutrition and care

A pet with a stable condition and an awakened appetite can be treated at home. He will need a quiet and warm place to recover comfortably. Remember that both drafts and heating devices located too close are equally dangerous for the patient. If the animal is cold, cover it with a blanket or blanket.

Also remember to make sure there is no noise. Place the sick cat in a quiet room and temporarily limit his contact with children.

If you have your own home, then do not let your pet outside during the entire recovery period. Low temperature, which is a provoking factor, can negate treatment. Provide fresh air with regular ventilation and purchase a humidifier.

If there is an increased accumulation of secretions in the bronchi, massage or heating with an infrared lamp is allowed. The veterinarian will clarify the specifics of these procedures.

To restore strength, your mustachioed pet will need a balanced, low-fat diet. Food should be satisfying, but easily digestible. When feeding naturally, focus on foods rich in potassium and vitamins A, B and C.

To reduce the load on the stomach, reduce the usual portions and increase the number of feedings to 6 times a day. Do not forget to monitor the sufficient amount of water, its freshness and temperature - too cold dishes and liquids can aggravate the patient’s condition.

Recovery period

On average, recovery takes from 3 to 6 weeks, but in particularly severe cases it can take up to 2 months. The duration of the rehabilitation period depends on:

• compliance with care and feeding recommendations;
• degree of damage to lung tissue;
• general condition of the patient;
• severity of existing symptoms.

Adjustment or discontinuation of drug therapy is determined using x-rays. The frequency of examinations is individual and agreed with the attending physician.

How owners can further help

To help your pet recover, just follow these simple rules:

1. Attempting self-medication is strongly discouraged.
2. It is important to follow all the veterinarian’s instructions, despite the fact that treatment can take from 3 weeks to 1.5 months. Do not make any independent adjustments to the therapeutic regimen and do not interrupt courses of taking medications without instructions from a specialist.
3. Provide your pet with rest, high-quality, nutritious and balanced food during treatment, and protect him from potential stress.
4. If there is a decrease or absence of appetite, forced feeding of semi-liquid food, high in protein and easily digestible, is indicated.
5. Do not give your cat cold water or cold food.
6. Do a light tapping massage of the chest.
7. During the treatment period, try not to overload the cat with games, so as not to provoke shortness of breath, increased fatigue and oxygen starvation.

Author:

Grinchuk Ekaterina Andreevna veterinarian

Recommended Prevention

To prevent diseases of the lower respiratory tract, it is important to maintain your pet’s immunity by creating comfortable living conditions. This will help you:

1. Quality diet

   . A sufficient amount of vitamins, regular feeding and the absence of harmful foods are a reliable foundation for the formation of a strong immune system.

2. Annual vaccination and quarterly deworming

   . The resulting immunity reduces the likelihood of infection and eliminates the acute course in case of illness.

3. Timely treatment of other pathologies

   . Neglect of medical instructions or too late treatment are common reasons that provoke the addition of the inflammatory process.

4. Preventing contact with stray animals

   . Do not let your pet go for a walk without a harness. Free walking is allowed only in the fenced area of ​​a private house.

5. Maintaining a comfortable room temperature

   . Do not place the bed next to a window and avoid cold ventilation in the presence of your pet.

A strong immune system is the key to a favorable prognosis. The better the conditions in which the pet is kept, the easier the inflammation is tolerable.

If you notice difficulty breathing in your cat, seek help immediately. Do not expect sudden self-healing and do not listen to the advice of friends. Only a doctor can tell you an accurate prognosis, so do not rely on chance and be sure to get diagnosed if any alarming symptoms occur.

The article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!

Brief description and main symptoms

The risk group includes old animals and kittens - those cats whose body’s defense system is weakened. However, young, energetic animals can also fall victim to the disease. If the disease is detected in time and treatment is started, negative consequences can be avoided.

A responsible owner needs to know the first signs by which the disease can be identified:

1. The cough is dry at first, then wet.
2. Breathing with whistling and wheezing.
3. Apathy. The previously active pet now tries to hide, remain alone, and does not want to play with the owner.
4. Refusal of food. The cat may consume liquid, but may also refuse water.
5. Significant increase in heart rate.
6. Dry nose or discharge.

After detecting these symptoms, it is important to contact a veterinarian who will prescribe treatment.