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Mab
New member
Joined: 05 Mar 2006
Posts: 1
Location: England
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 Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 10:09 am Post subject: Cat with possible pneumonia |
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Hi, i was wondering if anyone has any advice. Jack was taken to the vets yesterday after we noticed he was struggling for breath. She said that it could possibly be either pneumonia or an infection and gave him a jab. The vet said if he's no better by Tuesday to take him back and they'll do some tests etc. My problem is today he seems to be alternating between looking almost fine and then he'll be struggling - but the struggling seems worse than yesterday before the jab.
Does this sound like pneumonia? If anyone has any advice i'd be really grateful.
BTW, he'll be 10 this week - could it be an age thing? |
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vene
Super Senior Member Plus
Joined: 25 Mar 2004
Posts: 4220
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| Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 12:37 pm Post subject: |
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 and welcome! I'm sorry your kitty is not feeling well. Only your vet can make the proper diagnosis. Hope he feels better soon!
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1758
http://www.kittencare.com/askKC_Breathing_Lung_Problems.html#Pneumonia
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Pneumonia occurs when irritation in lungs leads to inflammation and causes the build up of fluid. Pneumonia can be caused by anything from bacteria, fungal or viral infections, heart failure to other factors. All can be serious. The most common symptom is difficulty breathing, particularly when it comes to inhaling. her breaths became rapid and shallow. These are common symptoms. What happens is that as the lungs become filled with fluid there are less functional air spaces. Other symptoms include, bluish or grayish tongue, gums and/or lips. This is otherwise known as cyanosis, and is a sign of poor oxygen content in the blood. Additional symptoms include fevers in exces of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prognosis
# Lung infections are serious. However, early diagnosis and treatment, usually leads to successful outcomes for kitties and their people. Only a vet can make a correct diagnosis on Pneumonia and the underlying causes. This is very important for determining the appropriate treatment. Tests include x-rays or ultrasound, in addition to fluid cultures among other tests.
Long Term Effects
# There is a risk that the Pneumonia could damage her lung tissues and thus make this a chronic condition. The reason is that the Pneumonia and underlying causes may cause changes in the airway's structure. This means that even if the initial cause is treated, the lungs have already been damaged and cannot return to normal form. When this happens, any treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing further damage. These treatments may include the removal of irritants, allergens or the giving of drugs or treating of bacterial infections, as well as the administration of corticosteroids or decongestants to reduce inflammation. |
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DeLaUK
Super Senior Member
Joined: 13 Feb 2005
Posts: 1938
Location: Surrey, UK
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| Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 12:54 pm Post subject: |
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My experience with pneumonia is you dont get a break from it on and off, Im just wondering, has asthma been ruled out? that can come and go in spurts and can lead to bronchitis and/or pneumonia.
Heart problems should be ruled out also. If your kitty is struggling I wouldnt wait until Tuesday to see a vet I would go today.
just my opinion. |
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lunaguy
Member
Joined: 04 Jun 2004
Posts: 313
Location: Oregon, USA
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| Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 6:30 am Post subject: |
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| Sorry to hear about this. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion from another vet if the first is unable to adequately diagnose the problem. Good luck! |
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