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Rarely, '''rib fractures and pneumothorax''' may be evident.
Rarely, '''rib fractures and pneumothorax''' may be evident.
'''Lung ultrasound''', specifically '''[[VetBLUE]]''', can be used to differentiate between wet lungs, dry lungs, and nodular patterns. Asthma will have dry lungs.
'''Haematology''' may reveal increased numbers of circulating [[eosinophils]].
'''Haematology''' may reveal increased numbers of circulating [[eosinophils]].
'''Bronchial culture''' may reveal [[:Category:Mycoplasmas|''Mycoplasma'' species]] in approximately 25% of cases.
'''Bronchial culture''' may reveal [[:Category:Mycoplasmas|''Mycoplasma'' species]] in approximately 25% of cases.
'''[[Heartworm]]''' antigen testing should be performed.
If the cat is presented in an acute episode, a '''rapid response''' to dexamethasone, bronchodilators and oxygen is highly suggestive of a diagnosis of asthma.
If the cat is presented in an acute episode, a '''rapid response''' to dexamethasone, bronchodilators and oxygen is highly suggestive of a diagnosis of asthma.
Eliminating any '''underlying inciting cause''' is important, such as changing or eliminating the litter, cleaning house vents, replacing filters, eliminating smoke, restricting the cat to certain areas of the house.
Eliminating any '''underlying inciting cause''' is important, such as changing or eliminating the litter, cleaning house vents, replacing filters, eliminating smoke, restricting the cat to certain areas of the house.
It is important to '''rule out parasitism''', and a 7 day course of fenbendazole may be useful.
It is important to '''rule out parasitism''', and a 7 day course of fenbendazole may be useful.
If heartworms are present they will need to be treated appropriately.
The primary method of control is the sustained use of glucocorticoids. '''Prednisolone''' can be given orally every 12 hours, and the dose can be '''tapered gradually to a dose every other day'''. Some cats may respond better to dexamethasone or triamcinolone. Sometimes cats can be weaned off the glucocorticoids and are then given only as needed by the owner.
The primary method of control is the sustained use of glucocorticoids. '''Prednisolone''' can be given orally every 12 hours, and the dose can be '''tapered gradually to a dose every other day'''. Some cats may respond better to dexamethasone or triamcinolone. Sometimes cats can be weaned off the glucocorticoids and are then given only as needed by the owner.