Pneumonia in cats is in most cases caused by vitamin deficiency, decreased resistance, cold and flu, weakness of the body, inhalation of irritating gases or harmful fumes and dust. The following is a description of the specific symptoms of pneumonia in cats and how to treat them. Symptoms are usually the earliest signs of stopping eating and drinking, listlessness, coughing or sneezing, and nasal and eye discharge. The tongue, gums and lips may appear blue due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. As the lung tissue fills with fluid, breathing becomes short and difficult. Fever, often over 40 degrees. If the lung congestion is due to heart failure, the body temperature may remain within the normal range. The most obvious sign of pneumonia is difficulty breathing, especially when inhaled. Types and causes of pneumonia in cats Bacterial pneumonia: Bacterial pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection, but this infection is often secondary to another underlying cause. Bacterial pneumonia must be treated with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia: Viral pneumonia is usually the result of an upper or lower respiratory tract infection. Common viruses that can cause pneumonia in cats include culex virus and parainfluenza virus. Viral infections can lead to pneumonia and can also cause kittens to stimulate infection with bacterial pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia: Aspiration pneumonia occurs when fluids are inhaled into the lungs. This is usually when the kitten is eating milk while breathing, which causes the milk to enter the lungs. Aspiration pneumonia in older cats may be caused by the esophagus. Allergic pneumonia: Allergic pneumonia is an inflammation caused by an irritant, such as smoke, penetrating the lungs. Fungal pneumonia: Fungal pneumonia is caused by a fungus, usually Coccidioides or Cryptococcus neoformans. Parasitic pneumonia: caused directly by pulmonary schistosomes or by the migration of other worms through the lungs. Other organ failure causing pneumonia: This type of pneumonia is secondary to the failure of another system, especially the heart. Diagnostic chest x-ray: The diagnosis of pneumonia is usually confirmed by a chest x-ray. Ultrasound: Ultrasound can also be used to detect an infection in the lungs. Chest fluid: If there is a considerable fluid accumulation in the chest, a fluid sample can be removed from the chest and analyzed. This helps to distinguish fungal disease from other diseases. Culture media and sensitivity: Culture and sensitivity tests can be performed to identify the type of bacteria and then select the appropriate antibiotic. Treatment 1. Antibiotic therapy: The most widely used drugs for the treatment of pneumonia are Baytril, enrofloxacin or amoxicillin. These drugs are available as injections and tablets and are usually given once a day, or more often if needed. Bacteria are classified as gram-negative and gram-positive as well as aerobic and anaerobic. Two antibiotics can be used in combination to cover most possible bacterial organisms. Injectable antibiotics are more effective than oral antibiotics because they are absorbed by the body more quickly. Although antibiotics do not kill viruses, they are used to treat secondary infections.2. Nebulization: Nebulization is very necessary for lung disease and will be discussed in detail in a separate article in the future.3. Intravenous fluids: Keep the cat hydrated by maintaining intravenous fluids to keep respiratory secretions moist so they can cough it out.4. Tap therapy: This technique, by tapping the chest, relaxes the lungs, which in turn causes the cat to cough up the lung secretions. The method is simple: hold the cup in your hand and tap the cat’s chest wall repeatedly and lightly and quickly. This will deeply relax the lungs and allow secretions to enter the airway. Once the secretions enter the respiratory tract, it stimulates the cat to cough, which expels these substances from the body. This technique is done at least three to four times a day.5. Diuretics: Diuretics such as furosemide sometimes help remove excess fluid from the lungs.6. Oxygen: In most cases, oxygen is not necessary, but in severe pneumonia, it may not get enough air. This is when oxygen becomes very necessary. Note that a cat with pneumonia may be in three progressive stages of stabilization: eating well, drinking well, and being active despite a very bad cough. The prognosis for this cat is excellent and treatment at home is fine without hospitalization. Unstable stage: The cat has stopped eating and is lethargic. This cat may need to be hospitalized. Severe stage: Breathing is very difficult, requires oxygen and may require veterinary attention 24 hours a day. Pneumonia is a serious infection that takes an average of several weeks to recover from. Although the prognosis depends on the underlying cause, most cats will recover with appropriate treatment if caught early.
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