Asthma

[wolf63]

I wasn't sure whether to put this question in A&N or here - but decided that I might get a more accurate answer here.

My cat was diagnosed with asthma in July 2009 - the initial attack freaked both of us out. Initially he was getting monthly steroid jags for it - but taking into account the long-term side effects I decided to switch him over to an inhaler.

He has been getting two 'puffs' of his inhaler (Flixotide) each day - and has been fine for the last few weeks. He has been coughing both last night and this morning. I gave him a 'puff' of the second inhaler (Ventolin) a this morning and again a short while ago.

Is it okay to give him both inhalers at the same time - when he is coughing and wheezing or should I leave a period of time between them? How bad should his asthma be before using the Ventolin inhaler?

He is not 'ill' - if her were he would be dragged off to the vet, but I want him to playful and healthy and annoying as he should be at his age - he's 5.

Any advice?

Susan - and Frankie de Tom Cat

[daffy654]

Flixotide is a steroid inhaler (preventer) and should be used as prescribed once or twice a day (usually morning and night). Ventolin is a reliever and used to help during an attack of asthma. They can be used at the same time if an asthma attack occurs at the time the preventer is being administered.
The reliever (ventolin/salbutamol) should be used as soon as you notice an attack occurring, don't leave it too long as it may not work.

I've had asthma myself for over 20 years so am very familiar with the different inhalers and routines :-)

[wolf63]

Thanks for the information.

He has been getting the steroid inhaler twice a day - morning and night if I can catch him. The ventolin hasn't been used prior to today.

He was coughing during the night but he was also managing to race around trying to kill both his sister and a catnip mouse.

The Flixotide cost me £74 via the vet - have shopped around and can get it cheaper at a 'human' chemist. The Ventolin inhaler costs less than £5.

The joys of being a cat slave!

[daffy654]

You must try to ensure he gets the steroid one twice a day if that is what his prescription is, even missing a dose or two a week can increase the chance of an asthma attack occurring. Make sure he has water afterwards if possible too as there can be dry mouth problems with steroid inhalers.


I'm a cat lover myself but sadly also being an asthma sufferer (and emphysema) means I can't be owned by any more cats :-(
I do ambush any I see in the street or back yard though and coax them over for a bit of fuss. lol

[wolf63]

He gets the steroid twice a day - but when he gets it during the day depends on when I can catch him. Thankfully he is a good natured cat and I haven't been bitten - yet.

There is always water out for him to drink. When he was really ill with the asthma he was totally lethargic and pathetic - he even missed an opportunity or two to get some cat treats from me.