Changes

Careful '''auscultation of the heart''' to differentiate cardiac disease from respiratory conditions is necessary.

Careful '''auscultation of the heart''' to differentiate cardiac disease from respiratory conditions is necessary.

'''Thoracic radiographs''': Findings range from normal to increased bronchial and/or increased bronchial and interstitial patterns with or without alveolar densities. Peribronchial infiltrate is described as ''''donuts'''' on the ventrodorsal view and ''''tramlines'''' on the lateral view. There are often hyperlucent lung areas and '''flattening and caudal displacement of the diaphragm'''. There may be '''air trapping and hyperinflation'''. Atelectasis of the '''right middle lung lobe''' and mediastinal shift to the right have also been noted.  

'''Thoracic radiographs''': Findings range from normal to increased bronchial and/or increased bronchial and interstitial patterns with or without alveolar densities. Peribronchial infiltrate is described as ''''donuts'''' on the ventrodorsal view and ''''tramlines'''' on the lateral view. There are often hyperlucent lung areas and '''flattening and caudal displacement of the diaphragm'''. There may be '''air trapping and hyperinflation'''. [[Atelectasis]] of the '''right middle lung lobe''' and mediastinal shift to the right have also been noted.  

Rarely, '''rib fractures and pneumothorax''' may be evident.  

Rarely, '''rib fractures and pneumothorax''' may be evident.  

'''Haematology''' may reveal increased numbers of circulating eosinophils.  

'''Haematology''' may reveal increased numbers of circulating [[eosinophils]].  

'''Bronchial cytology''' is variable, with predominant cell types including eosinophils, neutrophils and macrophages. However eosinophils can be found in normal cat airways.

'''Bronchial cytology''' is variable, with predominant cell types including eosinophils, [[neutrophils]] and [[macrophages]]. However eosinophils can be found in normal cat airways.

'''Bronchial culture''' may reveal ''Mycoplasma'' species in approximately 25% of cases.  

'''Bronchial culture''' may reveal [[:Category:Mycoplasmas|''Mycoplasma'' species]] in approximately 25% of cases.  

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.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Most cats '''respond favourably''' to oral therapy and can be '''controlled on low-dose, alternate day prednisolone'''. Untreated cats may develop irreversible chronic bronchitis and lung changes. '''Bronchiectasis''' can be a sequela of feline lower airway disease.

Most cats '''respond favourably''' to oral therapy and can be '''controlled on low-dose, alternate day prednisolone'''. Untreated cats may develop irreversible chronic bronchitis and lung changes. '''[[Bronchiectasis]]''' can be a sequela of feline lower airway disease.

Many cats will develop additional '''acute episodes''' and owners should be instructed to seek immediate veterinary attention if these occur.

Many cats will develop additional '''acute episodes''' and owners should be instructed to seek immediate veterinary attention if these occur.

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Small Animal]]

[[Category:To Do - Review]]

[[Category:Allergic Respiratory Diseases]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]][[Category:To Do - Major]][[Category:To Do - Respiratory]]

[[Category:Allergic Respiratory Diseases]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]]

[[Category:Type I Hypersensitivity Diseases]]

[[Category:Type I Hypersensitivity Diseases]]

[[Category:Bronchi and Bronchioles - Pathology]]

[[Category:Bronchi and Bronchioles - Pathology]]

[[Category:Respiratory System - Inflammatory Pathology]]

[[Category:Respiratory System - Inflammatory Pathology]]