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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / June 2005Raspy cough, tests ongoing...
Hi Group, I'm a new poster to this group although I have been lurking for some time now. I usualy hang out in rec.games.pinball. I/we have five cats that were all homeless/rescued, they found us. My favorite kitty, a Black one year old male named "Little darkie" has had a deep raspy wheezy cough as if hacking up a hair ball for the past few months. He has developed quite a taste for laxatone (and nutrical) but no hair ball seems to ever come up. All shots up to date and fixed/neutered. I can not notice any "pattern" or trigger to these coughing episodes, they are daily now and three times last night, twice today so far. Today he got a bunch of X-rays, exam., and (healthcheck plus) blood test. The blood test results will be in tomorrow. So far no smoking gun...No enlarged heart... Next test is endoscopy/probably biopsy (almost $1K high end estimate and I can't afford) becasue the breathing throat is slightly restricted which (as I understand) could be a cause or result of the coughing... Q: Could I be over looking some thing? Any "home" remedies or things to look out for? Maybe the litter dust? I use "Scoop Away", fresh scent clumping type. I can say I really hate the dust from this stuff, it is very perfumey and strong when I scoop. I think I'll try another brand, yes? Maybe food change? I use costco brand Kirkland dry, friskies can food, and only purified drinking water. The water in Phoenix AZ tastes like cement to me so the cats don't get it either. Did I over look something? OK, thanks for reading best wishes to all the kitties in the group, please be good to them. GodSpeed. Have fun, Karl. honda ruehs at cox dot net (aol email is shut off) > Did I over look something? > > OK, thanks for reading best wishes to all the kitties in the group, > please be good to them. GodSpeed. > > Have fun, Karl. Hi Karl--Your vet did rule out FIP, or any kind of fluid around his lungs, probably, right? I think you're wise to consider a less dusty litter. Hope you're able to resolve the situation. Please keep us posted. Sherry Hi Sherry, I have been down the FIP road before with another cat and I don't even want to think about that...ever. I'm sure the blood test results tomorrow will show it (FIP) or not but it was not mentioned, nor was fluid in lings mentioned when veiwing the X-rays.. He is eating normal and is not thin nor fat. Thanks for the ideas, yes, I'll change litter today. Be well, Karl. hondaru...@aol.com wrote: > Hi Sherry, > > I have been down the FIP road before with another cat and I don't even > want to think about that...ever. I have, too. That's why I hate to even mention it. But sometimes with rescues, like mine and your Blackie too, you just don't know their history and you have to consider that. I sure hope it's not. > I'm sure the blood test results tomorrow will show it (FIP) or not but > it was not mentioned, nor was fluid in lings mentioned when veiwing the > X-rays.. He is eating normal and is not thin nor fat. > > Thanks for the ideas, yes, I'll change litter today. Wish I knew more about allergies, maybe someone else here with more knowledge about it can help you. > Be well, Karl. > My favorite kitty, a Black one year old male named "Little darkie" has > had a deep raspy wheezy cough as if hacking up a hair ball for the past [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Today he got a bunch of X-rays So the vet saw the Xray and said no asthma? > Maybe the litter dust? I use "Scoop Away", fresh scent clumping type. I > can say I really hate the dust from this stuff, it is very perfumey and > strong when I scoop. I think I'll try another brand, yes? Yes, in case it is allergies or the beginning of asthma, which may not show on an Xray? I use the unscented version of Scoop Away, but there are many kinds that are not highly scented. Even regular Tidy Cat is not as strongly scented as Scoop Away. > Maybe food change? I use costco brand Kirkland dry, friskies can food, > and only purified drinking water. The water in Phoenix AZ tastes like > cement to me so the cats don't get it either. You're looking in the right directions since many cats do develop food allergies. Did they xray your cat's lungs? This sure sounds like asthma. Megan  Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray The Dr. said no visible signs of asthma but she would not rule it out at this point either...Mainly waiting for the blood work to come back tomorrow before drawing any conclusions. Yes, lots of lung X-rays because Little Darkie kept moving so they had to do the x-rays over and over to see what they were looking for which was that slight restriction in the throat (trachia?). Thanks for everyone sharing ideas and being so nice, this is a great group. They all like him at the office and said he was very friendly. He was even calm in the car with a couple meows. Thanks as always, Karl. Just for backround, I found him while I was installing cable on the job. We were at a house with two older Chinese (not known for their kindness to the feline family) ladies living there. The back yard, not having been watered, was very very dry, the trees and grass were all dead for a long time under the not desert sun. I almost missed him trying to find shade along the fence gate so I grabbed him (jently), went to the truck, dumped my tools on the floor, put the kitten in the small tool bag and left the top open. It was so funny and cute because he could actualy walk around on the floor of the bag. The job only took a few minutes so after that we went to a pet store to get some formula and bottle fed him right there in the parking lot. He was so youg his eyes were still blue (now yellow) and he was actualy smaller than a dollar bill. Since the kitten had such a nasty cut all around his neck I suspected the Chinese ladies were mean to him so I thought it best to rescue him from whatever the evil human hand had done to him. Now he is very happy, healthy (I hope and pray) and one of the most loving cats I've ever had. He has a girl friend kitty (Tora, brown tabby with great colors, also fixed, I found her on the roof of the Kirby shop strip mall) who he chases runs jumps and plays with all the time, right now included!. It's good to be a cat, if you are the right cat that is.............Thanks again all. > The Dr. said no visible signs of asthma but she would not rule it out > at this point either...Mainly waiting for the blood work to come back > tomorrow before drawing any conclusions. It really does sound like asthma. If it is, it is easily treated--but can be deadly if you do not treat it. > Yes, lots of lung X-rays because Little Darkie kept moving so they had > to do the x-rays over and over to see what they were looking for which [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > included!. It's good to be a cat, if you are the right cat that > is.............Thanks again all. You are a good soul. :) > The Dr. said no visible signs of asthma but she would not rule it out > at this point either... Many asthmatic cats appear normal at rest-- unless the cat becomes severely stressed by the trip to the vet. Mainly waiting for the blood work to come back > tomorrow before drawing any conclusions. If the bloodwork comes back with elevated eosinophils, asthma is definitely a possibility. However, eosinophilia isn't specific for asthma- parasites can cause eosinophilia, too. Some parasites can cause the same symptoms as asthma- so, either way, a fecal exam is absolutely necessary. > Yes, lots of lung X-rays because Little Darkie kept moving so they had > to do the x-rays over and over to see what they were looking for which > was that slight restriction in the throat (trachia?). Since there are relatively few causes of coughing in the cat, I'd go down the (short) list of differentials and rule out each one. Rule outs are just as important as rule ins-- although his symptoms sure sound like asthma to me. Based on his history and symptoms, I'd have him checked for worms-- especially lung worms- even though they're not that common-- and definitely roundworms. After roundworm eggs hatch into larvae, they migrate through the liver and then enter the lungs where they're coughed up and swallowed back down and develop into adults. The cycle keeps repeating itself. If might take a few fecal exams to definitively rule out worms since they're not present in every bowel movement. Fecal exams aren't expensive- about $10-$15-- although a floatation w/centrifugation is probably necessary to find Capillaria eggs- about another $20. I know AZ is virtually completely void of heartworm disease- but HD is one of the few causes of coughing in the cat. If I were you, I'd ask your vet to vet to run 2 simple heartworm tests. The heartworm antigen test is more specific, but the heartworm antibody test is more sensitive. Since the tests are so cheap, I'd run both. Negative results don't necessarily rule out heartworm because low worm burdens and single-sex infections can result in false negatives. In fact about half of the cats with adult infections are antigen negative. Ultrasounds are the best diagnostic for heatworms-- but they're expensive. Do you have carpeting? Some carpets and backings/adhesives contain toxic chemicals that leech out (outgassing) which can cause respiratory problems-- especially in cats since they lie and sleep on the carpet. Another rule out is cat litter. You might want to switch to a dustless litter such as "The World's Best Cat Litter". I think its made from corn. If your vet can't come up with a diagnosis soon, you might want to speak to her about putting your cat on a trial inhaled Flovent (corticosteroid) therapy to see if he responds. Inhaled corticosteroids are extremely effective without the harmful side effects of systemic corticosteroids. Visit my site for more information: http://www.maxshouse.com/feline_asthma_and_bronchitis.htm On the bottom righthand side of the page you'll see an aerosolization chamber for cats called an AeroKat for use with a metered dose inhaler (MDI). Below the AeroKat, are pictures of a human AeroChamber that I adapted for cats by using a Pari pediatric mask-- which actually works better than the AeroKat. The mask is smaller and fits over a cat's nose and mouth perfectly-- even better than the AeroKat-- and doesn't stress the cat out as much. If you have a family doctor, ask him for a "Physcian Demonstrator" AeroChamber. Forest Pharmaceuticals gives them away free to doctors, so you'll save $50. Also ask him for one or two trial size Flovent 220 mcg inhalers. Glaxo-Smith-Kline gives trial-size, 60-metered dose inhalers to doctors for free. The trial size should last about 2 weeks (2 puffs b.i.d.)- its long enough to see if your cat responds to therapy. All you have to buy is the Pari baby mask (Size 0 [Part # 41F0710]) for $5.00 from www.pari.com. The regular prescription Flovent 220 mcg. inhaler has 120 metered doses and costs about $165 and the AreoChamber or the AeroKat costs about $50.00. So, if you go my way, you'll save >$200. > Thanks for everyone sharing ideas and being so nice, this is a great > group. [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > included!. It's good to be a cat, if you are the right cat that > is.............Thanks again all. Great story! I love reading successful rescues with happy endings! Best of luck, Phil > > The Dr. said no visible signs of asthma but she would not rule it out > > at this point either... [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > $10-$15-- although a floatation w/centrifugation is probably necessary to > find Capillaria eggs- about another $20. Thanks for bringing up a simpler, less frightening possibility for the coughing, Phil. It's seen in shelters a great deal. We treat with panacur for 7-10 days to get rid of the lungworms. ~J > > > The Dr. said no visible signs of asthma but she would not rule it out > > > at this point either... [quoted text clipped - 37 lines] > coughing, Phil. It's seen in shelters a great deal. We treat with panacur > for 7-10 days to get rid of the lungworms. Lungworm eggs look a lot like whipworm eggs- fooled me a few times! LOL! Now I can tell the difference (took me long enough) by the surface. Whipworm eggs have a smooth surface- lungworms are rough. Fortunately, there aren't many causes of coughing in the cat-- but worms are definitely high on a very short list. Are you "enjoying" kitten season as much as I am....? When will people learn to neuter??? Best of luck. Phil > > Thanks for bringing up a simpler, less frightening possibility for the > > coughing, Phil. It's seen in shelters a great deal. We treat with panacur [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Phil I have five ~2 week old kittens that I get to nurse for the next 7 weeks thanks to kitten season. On the other hand, we got in four "vicious" kittens (about 8-10 weeks) the other day and already two of them are very sweet. The other two are still hissy and growly, but they'll come around. By the by, when it's kittens, we call them 'veeeecious,' because we all know they'll come around, so it becomes a little joke for admitting staff. "Yeah, the ACO brought in a veeeeecious kitten yesterday." And everyone knows she'll be purring by the next day. ~J > > Are you "enjoying" kitten season as much as I am....? When will people > > learn to neuter??? [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > ~J I think what I love the most about kittens is watching them develop their own little individual personalities. Phil Hi Phil and Group, Wow, what a thorough post, thank you (all) for taking the time to help with this and share your concern as well. It helps allot on both counts allot, Thanks again...Very much! I will be reading (studying) Phils site on asthma to educate my self and may even be so bold as to pass it on to the Dr. in a very respectful manner becasue he said he had not much experience with kitty inhalers. Got good news from the Dr. today he (first Dr. was off today so she updated this Dr. to report test results) said all blood test were "Very good"! This is great news, altough not yet conclusive. The Dr. has me trying one week med., pill once daily for trial test to rule out allergy/asthma he siad (and most folks here too) it is the most likely cause of the coughing. Medicine is: Prednisolone 5mg once daily by oral pill. He said if this goes well we will "zero in" on a more targeted long term treatment, most likely at asthma, but that is where the Dr.s don't like to speculate and cross this bridge first. And, yes, when Little Darkie coughs he does stretch his neck out, very long, low along (parallel) to and almost touching the floor, crouching low on his front feet, he sort of slowly coughs from left to right. Only when actualy coughing can you hear wheezing. I used to have asthma but when I quit smoking a few years ago it quickly went away, go figure!!! The Dr. also said things like "Valley Feaver" (airborne infection), parasites, and cancer are not ruled out but all remote possibilities so he wants to try this first... I will report back with results, and what house hold changes are being implimented to help for the sake of closure to all the great folks who helped and for google future history on the matter. Hope it helps.. Thanks so very very much again, Karl. honda ruehs at cox dot net > Hi Phil and Group, > > Wow, what a thorough post, thank you (all) for taking the time to help > with this and share your concern as well. It helps allot on both counts > allot, Thanks again...Very much! Phil really knows his stuff. He has taught my vets a few things, no kidding. > I will be reading (studying) Phils site on asthma to educate my self > and may even be so bold as to pass it on to the Dr. in a very [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > updated this Dr. to report test results) said all blood test were "Very > good"! This is great news, altough not yet conclusive. Wonderful! > The Dr. has me trying one week med., pill once daily for trial test to > rule out allergy/asthma he siad (and most folks here too) it is the [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > but when I quit smoking a few years ago it quickly went away, go > figure!!! It does sound like asthma, which although frightening, is easily controlled, so let's hope it is not but if it is don't worry too much. It is just like with humans, as long as it is managed and controlled it is not likely to be life-threatening. My five-year-old not only has it, but since she gets treatment, is as zippy and acrobatic and fun and active as you would ever want a cat to be! > The Dr. also said things like "Valley Feaver" (airborne infection), > parasites, and cancer are not ruled out but all remote possibilities so [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > implimented to help for the sake of closure to all the great folks who > helped and for google future history on the matter. Hope it helps.. Thanks, Karl. We'll send good vibes out to you and kitty. >The Dr. has me trying one week med., >pill once daily for trial test to rule out >allergy/asthma he siad (and most folks >here too) it is the most likely cause of the >coughing. Medicine is: >Prednisolone 5mg once daily by oral pill. Your cat's coughing sounded pretty severe from your description and the once daily dose your vet prescribed is lower than the low dose most would start out with, which would be 5 mg *twice* a day for an average 10 lb cat. My concern is that if this is asthma, the symptoms won't show much improvement on such a low dose and your vet may look at other things (which is more expense and stress for you and your cat) when it is asthma all along. I have two cats with asthma and the 5 mg *twice* a day dose is what my cat Monty is on. His brother Marvin is a 23 pound cat and gets 10 mg twice a day. Both are doing well and there is no coughing at all from Marvin, and Monty has one very occasionally, but not enough to increase his meds. I will be switching them both to inhaled meds, but since this is expensive and I'm caring for 25 cats I have to wait until I pay my car off next month and then I can take some of that money and devote it exclusively to paying for the medication. I already have the inhaler from http://www.aerokat.com and recommend that if you do go this route, you buy this piece of equipment directly from the website as it will be less expensive than getting it from your vet. Another thing you should be aware of is that if you do go to inhaled meds, you can buy them *much* cheaper from Canada. Check out the links at http://www.fritzthebrave.com for some recommended pharmacies. Also be aware that if you get refills, order them all at once so you can save on the dispensing fees. The pharmacy I will be using will send you (IIRC) up to three refills worth of meds at a time. It's a chunk of money to come up with all at once, however when you break it down over time, it's a huge bargain compared to what you would have to pay here in the states. I would also like to note that I brought one of my newer arrivals in recently for coughing and nothing showed up on xray. The vet decided to treat him for lungworm as a reasonable course of action and since he's been on the meds (panacur) there has been no more coughing so we're pretty sure that's what the problem was. Megan Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray > Hi Phil and Group, > > Wow, what a thorough post, thank you (all) for taking the time to help > with this and share your concern as well. It helps allot on both counts > allot, Thanks again...Very much! Sometimes, knowing others have gone though the same situation successfully, chases the fear and gloom away. > I will be reading (studying) Phils site on asthma to educate my self > and may even be so bold as to pass it on to the Dr. in a very > respectful manner becasue he said he had not much experience with kitty > inhalers. My vet is a double-boarded, retired vet professor, so, your vet shouldn't be offended. ;-) > Got good news from the Dr. today he (first Dr. was off today so she > updated this Dr. to report test results) said all blood test were "Very [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Prednisolone 5mg once daily by oral pill. I think you should speak to your vet about that trial treatment. Prednisolone is very short acting- about 6-8 hours. The trial treatment should be1 to 2 mg/kg PO every *12 hours* for 10 to 14 days- then tapered slowly. Blockade of the serotonin receptor with cyproheptadine (Periactin) at 1 to 2 mg/cat PO every 12 hours might also help. Keep us posted! Best of luck. Phil Hi Group, Progress report is very good: Day three of the medicine and no coughing eposodes at all. Little Darkie is also back to his old self being very active and social. I also just noticed he is back to sleeping out in the middle of the hall again instead of seeking quiet places while he was sick. Sometimes a -very- bad (and scary) sign. Q: Does this mean the parisite tests are not needed? Q: The X-rays showed a few light very small spots/dots on lungs. Dr. said this was trauma probably from before I got him. Could it be from lung worms although the Dr. did not even mention this while viewing X-rays? Speculation: Could it (the spots and/or the asthma) be from sanding dust from RC plane building? I was building plane kits from balsa and CA glue (crazy glue, cyanoacrylate) several ounces, indoors until I found the dust and glue fumes were very bad, gave me -very severe- runny nose, sneezing, sore throte, and also asthma like breathing problem, coughing, and the first three symptoms would last for about ten days after use was stopped. The cats showed no symptoms before during or after exposure to glue fumes and sanding dust, maybe because I was much closer to the fumes (in my face) than they ever were and I took the sanding outside following the problems. A few months ago was the first signs of kitty asthma, about one year since I "took a break" from RC planes. I moved the sanding and large areas of glueing outside after discovering the problem. I was building a P-51D mustang and it turned out very nice. I appreciate all the great advice and support very much. I know this is not over and the next step is planning a long term med plan (in addition to enviromental changes) so I will continue to update. Thanks all, keep on lovin' those kittie critters!!! Karl. :) > Hi Group, > [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > Karl. > :) I've always heard that asthma is distinct in xrays by the hallmark donut shaped marks on the lungs. It sounds to me like your cat has asthma. hondaru...@aol.com wrote: > My favorite kitty, a Black one year old male named "Little darkie" has > had a deep raspy wheezy cough as if hacking up a hair ball for the past > few months. Hi Karl, I'm sorry to hear about Little Darkie's coughing. When he coughs, does he stretch out his neck a lot? My cat Meesha has asthma and when she coughs, that's what she does. Has your vet done a tracheal wash? That can give a good indication on whether or not it's asthma, along with other tests your vet has performed. My cat is being treated by a holistic vet and she's been doing very well. She hasn't coughed in nearly a year. One thing I would definitely do is change your catlitter to one that does not contain any chemicals. A couple of good ones are Swheat Scoop and World's Best Cat Litter. Please let us know what the tests show. Lauren "PawsForThought" <Mickey4Paws@anonymous.to> wrote in message Has your vet done a tracheal wash? That > can give a good indication on whether or not it's asthma, I used to think tracheobronchial washes were good for diagnosing asthma but I've found them unreliable because we've found large numbers of eosinophils in trachcobronchial washes of many healthy cats. They're not worth the risk of anesthesia or the stress. > "PawsForThought" <Mickey4Paws@anonymous.to> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > They're not worth the risk of anesthesia or the stress. Why do vets do these tests then for asthma if they're unreliable? Is it just that there is no real definitive test for asthma? In Meesha's case, they did x-rays and blood tests too. At the time, they did test for parasites but I'm not sure if they actually did test for lung worm. I'll have to check her records. If it was parasites, she wouldn't have responded to cortisone, right? >> "PawsForThought" <Mickey4Paws@anonymous.to> wrote in message >> [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Why do vets do these tests then for asthma if they're unreliable? Same reason my gastroenterologist ran a series of occult blood tests on my stool. EVEN when I made a point to get some blood on the feces I wiped from my butt due to a hemorrhoid, the tests always came back negative. I'm telling you vets are just like people doctors .... they pad their income with tests that you ask for .... not that the tests are actually needed or informative. "Philip" <1chip-state1@earthlink.n0t> wrote in message news:Qqree.4112 I made a point to get some blood on the feces I wiped from > my butt due to a hemorrhoid, Hey, thanks alot for sharing that with us... Its just a tad too much information than we needed to know.... > "Philip" <1chip-state1@earthlink.n0t> wrote in message news:Qqree.4112 > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Hey, thanks alot for sharing that with us... Its just a tad too much > information than we needed to know.... WE? Got a mouse in your pocket? This is a cat forum, ya know. You were elected forum spokeshole? >:^) > > "Philip" <1chip-state1@earthlink.n0t> wrote in message news:Qqree.4112 > > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > WE? Yes, "we". Haven't you noticed this is a group, or are you too preoccupied with your hemorrhoids? > Got a mouse in your pocket? No, but it seems like you've had your hand in yours too much. > This is a cat forum, ya know. That's the point, Einstein! LOL! Your silly comment about your bleeding hemorrhoids has nothing to do with cats. Cats don't even get hemorrhoids! You were > elected forum spokeshole? >:^) No, but I nominate you as our new village idiot. ..|.. > No, but I nominate you as our new village idiot. ..|.. Aw Phil, don't give me openings like that - you'll get me in trouble again and I promised DH I wouldn't get into another flame war for at least a week (I have been *SO* holding back)! Oh well, Philip's a.s it too big a target to be sporting anyway. ;> > > > "Philip" <1chip-state1@earthlink.n0t> wrote in message news:Qqree.4112 > > > [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > > No, but I nominate you as our new village idiot. ..|.. I second! >>> "Philip" <1chip-state1@earthlink.n0t> wrote in message >>> news:Qqree.4112 [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Yes, "we". Haven't you noticed this is a group, or are you too > preoccupied with your hemorrhoids? But there was never an election with you being named as the group spokeshole. snip >> This is a cat forum, ya know. > > That's the point, Einstein! LOL! Your silly comment about your > bleeding hemorrhoids has nothing to do with cats. Cats don't even > get hemorrhoids! Education moment, "Phil A." Cats are subject to rectal bleeding from fissures that do sometimes develop into hemorrhoids. The male Siamese I had years ago developed a noticeable one, made worse by scooting his a.s on the carpet from time to time after a BM. The vet called it a hemorrhoid and detailed the surgery required. I opted for the daily ointment treatment for a couple of months. Finally, I caved and had the vet do the surgery on Thai. Everybody happy, money well spent. > Education moment, "Phil A." Cats are subject to rectal bleeding from > fissures that do sometimes develop into hemorrhoids. Well, Phillip, I think you have made your field of expertise (in both human and cat physiognomy) crystal clear. Try one of those donut things you sit on. I got my grandmama one last Christmas. > >>> "Philip" <1chip-state1@earthlink.n0t> wrote in message > >>> news:Qqree.4112 [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > But there was never an election with you being named as the group > spokeshole. No problem! I still nonimate you as the new villiage idiot. > snip > >> This is a cat forum, ya know. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Education moment, "Phil A." Cats are subject to rectal bleeding from > fissures that do sometimes develop into hemorrhoids. No, Einstein, cat's don't have the physiology to develop hemorrhoids. The male Siamese I > had years ago developed a noticeable one, made worse by scooting his a.s on > the carpet from time to time after a BM. LOL! That's anorectal prolapse, moron. > The vet called it a hemorrhoid ...probably because either he didn't think you would understand "rectal prolapse", or, he's an idiot, too. LOL! Hi Phillp, Thanks for differentiating "Phillip" and "Phil P." Phil P.= Asset to the group. As opposed to just an a.s.........Thanks Phillip! Oh, and it's nice to see not only us pinball folks (rec.games.pinball) have these little squables. Have fun, Karl. hondaru...@aol.com wrote: > Hi Phillp, > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > As opposed to just an a.s.........Thanks Phillip! I dunno. Anyone who, in this day and age, chooses to call their black cat "Little Darkie" pretty much fits the "a.s" description, to me. <shrug> -L. > > "PawsForThought" <Mickey4Paws@anonymous.to> wrote in message > > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Why do vets do these tests then for asthma if they're unreliable? Because they're the most readily available and inexpensive tests. They're also good for ruling out asthma. Is it > just that there is no real definitive test for asthma? There are reliable tests for asthma in cats- such as measuring flow-volume loops during tidal breathing- but most local vets aren't equipped or trained to run them. In Meesha's > case, they did x-rays and blood tests too. At the time, they did test > for parasites but I'm not sure if they actually did test for lung worm. > I'll have to check her records. It takes more than one or two fecal exams to find worms and eggs because they're not present in every bowel movement. If it was parasites, she wouldn't have > responded to cortisone, right? Not necessarily. Parasites or bacteria in other locations can cause inflammation and a reaction in the airways- which would respond to corticosteroids. All I'm saying is that eosinophils and/or neutrophils that you find in airway washes aren't pathognomonic for asthma. Phil Hi Group, I talked to "the other Dr." today, the one who was filled in, he reported the blood test results and prescriben the 1 week test of prednisolone, and not the first Dr. she was off, who order the blood test and X-rays in the first place. I am confused and not very satisfied, I'll be calling the first Dr. tomorrow again. I told second Dr. that Darkie was doing great so far and what is the next step? He said let this medicine run out and see if the problem comes back. Maybe the "enviromental irritant" will have cleared up and the coughing will just go away. All I really did was change litter brands. A few days ago I asked about parasites and Mr./ (Dr.) "I'm not ruling anything out" said let's see how this meds. work first. We did, it worked, now he is saying see if the problem comes back??? I feel like he is blowing this thing off and when I call tomorrow to talk to the first Dr. I may ask to have him removed from this case and/or seek a specialist. Little Darkie is good and now -I- am irritated! Another idea, a very nice "Lurker" emailed me and said maybe the cut around his neck could have been a rubber band and it the skin grew in over it, which explain the slightly restricted trachia and it would not show up on X-ray. Any way I could check for this? At least Darkie is doing well and I have options, starting with a second opinion. I think the second Dr. may feel like this has been dropped in his lap and doesn't want to deal with it. If this is the case I WILL be having a "discussion" with whoever is in carge. This is not a TV set at the repair shop, my cats are like my kids and this answer is absolutley -unacceptable-. Vent......... Thanks again all, Karl. > Hi Group, > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > ruling anything out" said let's see how this meds. work first. We did, > it worked, now he is saying see if the problem comes back??? I think maybe this vet is saying this because often the causes of coughs are so hard to determine. Particularly if you have an asthmatic cat, a variety of conditions can trigger the coughing/wheezing attacks. Perfumes in cleaners, litter, air fresheners, toilet tissue, or linens; cold and or/dry temperatures; dust, mold, even just upset ("stress") can bring on the attack. Since these conditions are variable, the attacks may come and go. Then there are allergies which may not have anything to do with asthma although the two conditions often overlap. THEN there are parasites. And both viral and bacterial UTIs. No wonder he takes a "wait and see" approach, if you think about it. [...]> At least Darkie is doing well and I have options, starting with a > second opinion. I think the second Dr. may feel like this has been > dropped in his lap and doesn't want to deal with it. If this is the [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Thanks again all, Karl. I'm glad he is doing better. Hope you get some answers. HI Mary, Thanks for the female (kinder, jentler, ie: rational) point of view. All valid points well taken..... :) Karl. > Hi Group, > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > the coughing will just go away. All I really did was change litter > brands. You also put him on medication. I don't like to make more than one change at a time because because if I do, I won't know which one did the trick. A few days ago I asked about parasites and Mr./ (Dr.) "I'm not > ruling anything out" said let's see how this meds. work first. We did, > it worked, now he is saying see if the problem comes back??? I feel > like he is blowing this thing off and when I call tomorrow to talk to > the first Dr. I may ask to have him removed from this case and/or seek > a specialist. Little Darkie is good and now -I- am irritated! Actually, he's following the correct procedure. If the symptoms return when the medication is discontinued, there's another cause. If they don't, the litter may have been the culprit. Usually the trigger is never found- even after extensive allergen testing. > Another idea, a very nice "Lurker" emailed me and said maybe the cut > around his neck could have been a rubber band and it the skin grew in > over it, which explain the slightly restricted trachia and it would > not show up on X-ray. Any way I could check for this? Absolutely! Especially since he's not dyspneic. Tissue debris in the tracheobronchial tree can also cause coughing. If his symptoms return when the medication is discontinued, I would certainly opt for endoscopy to rule out treatable causes in the larynx, pharynx, and esophagus. > At least Darkie is doing well and I have options, starting with a > second opinion. I think the second Dr. may feel like this has been > dropped in his lap and doesn't want to deal with it. If this is the > case I WILL be having a "discussion" with whoever is in carge. This is > not a TV set at the repair shop, my cats are like my kids and this > answer is absolutley -unacceptable-. Vent......... Second opinions within the same practice aren't always a true second opinion- unless the vet offering the second opinion owns the practice. Since he's not dyspneic or having severe respiratory distress, I would see if the symptoms return when the meds are discontinued rather than put him through premature or possibly unnecessary tests and stress. I'm not a "wait and see" type person, but in this case, it might be the best approach. > Thanks again all, Karl. Keep the faith! Best of luck, Phil Hi Group, Thanks again Phil P. and Mary and all of the group.' I talked to the first Dr. again and she pretty much agreed and added more ideas for enviromental modifications. Enviromental Changes present and future: (please feel free to add or comment) -I changed to a less perfumey litter (I always hated the smell of that flowery stuff, "scoop away, fresh scent" the smell would stick in your nose and shirt long after the scooping was done). 'Went to "Tidy Cats, 99.6% dust free" and I also added baking soda to the bottom of pans after the biweekly littler pan washing. -May also look into a "activated charcoal" type clumping litter with larger clay particals as the vet uses this herself even though it is more expensive. -No more air "freshener" spray, actulay my room mate used that in the bathroom after pooping. (TMI? too much info!) -No more after shower powder in my bedroom, I only use it now in the bathroom with the door shut and exhaust fan on. -Changing to "electrostaticly charged" house AC filter rather than the regular (cheap) ones I have been using. -Kitties no longer allowed near use of sanding, solvents, glues, or paints. -No more ocassional use of those little inscent burning sticks. -Just steam cleaned carpets a few weeks ago and will step it up to 3-4 times a year (was once a year) and sice I do it my self I always do the last one or two cleanings with fresh hot water and no cleaning fluid to remove about all residual cleaner. (note, his cough was before and after steam cleaning so I am not suspecting the carpet cleaning fluid, it does not smell terribly strong either). -When I wash litter pans with 409 and bleach (both very strong) the bathroom door is now shut, exhaust fan on, and NO cats allowed in the room with the fumes and I use a respirator (gas mask). Door is kept shut with fan on until all fumes are gone, at least 30 min.. -Will also look into a few air cleaner machines for inside the house, they could only help for cats and humans alike. Any suggestions for a good working air purifier with no filters or filters I can clean, please chime in... I hear good and bad about the "Ionic breese" machine so I have to research on what to buy, how many, how to maintain them, and where in the house to use them. I usualy research on the net and then check it out and/or buy on ebay, it is my best/favorite way. Thanks agian all, I'll still add to give us all closure. Little Darkie is very very well and a bit more calm with Tora (his Girlfiend) busy as step mom for the "kittens in a box". God Bless us all, everyone. Karl. > Hi Group, > > Thanks again Phil P. and Mary and all of the group.' You're welcome! > I talked to the first Dr. again and she pretty much agreed and added > more ideas for enviromental modifications. So she said it is probably asthma/allergies? > Enviromental Changes present and future: > (please feel free to add or comment) [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > 99.6% dust free" and I also added baking soda to the bottom of pans > after the biweekly littler pan washing. That is the Tidy Cat I use, it is not highly scented at all and clumps very well. It does not cause my cat's allergies to act up at all. > -May also look into a "activated charcoal" type clumping litter with > larger clay particals as the vet uses this herself even though it is > more expensive. Hmm, I have not heard of this, let us know how it does if you try it. Surely the larger particles would do better as they cannot breathe them. > -No more air "freshener" spray, actulay my room mate used that in the > bathroom after pooping. (TMI? too much info!) Hahaha! The fan and/or window ought to be enough! > -No more after shower powder in my bedroom, I only use it now in the > bathroom with the door shut and exhaust fan on. > -Changing to "electrostaticly charged" house AC filter rather than the > regular (cheap) ones I have been using. Hey, what is that about? Please elaborate! > -Kitties no longer allowed near use of sanding, solvents, glues, or > paints. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > after steam cleaning so I am not suspecting the carpet cleaning fluid, > it does not smell terribly strong either). If you ever have a chance to go for hard wood floors and ceramic or stone, you might really like it. I have allergies and asthma too, and not having wall-to-wall except in the utility room, plus no heavy draperies has really helped me and my cat too. No mold, no dust, etc. It just feels so much cleaner, in every way. > -When I wash litter pans with 409 and bleach (both very strong) the > bathroom door is now shut, exhaust fan on, and NO cats allowed in the > room with the fumes and I use a respirator (gas mask). Door is kept > shut with fan on until all fumes are gone, at least 30 min.. > -Will also look into a few air cleaner machines for inside the house, > they could only help for cats and humans alike. You might be overdoing the sanitation here. I don't bleach mine--I just use pine cleaner once a month. You are very smart to use a respirator when spraying bleach, but consider dispensing with spray bleach entirely--or, when you use it for mold in the shower, just use a coarse spray that you cannot inhale easily. I bleach stuff like my porcelain sinks and tubs but just apply it with a sponge-- using the regular laundry bleach or one of the gels. I am afraid of spray bleach after seeing what it can do to your lungs. > Any suggestions for a good working air purifier with no filters or > filters I can clean, please chime in... I hear good and bad about the > "Ionic breese" machine so I have to research on what to buy, how many, > how to maintain them, and where in the house to use them. I usualy > research on the net and then check it out and/or buy on ebay, it is my > best/favorite way. Please do not get the Ionic breeze. It worsens asthma and can damage healthy lungs. The EPA and the American Lung Association have issued warnings about these things. Not only do they damage lungs, but they do not clean at the molecular level, so they are not even effective. Get a couple of large HEPA filters. They clean at the molecular level, and are safe. As for what brand, check to see what brand filters the stores you shop in carry, and get one of those! That way it will be easy to get the filters when you need one every few months or so. I like the Duracraft large floor model, but I have several kinds. I only change the filters every four months or so and they do fine. > Thanks agian all, I'll still add to give us all closure. Little Darkie > is very very well and a bit more calm with Tora (his Girlfiend) busy as > step mom for the "kittens in a box". > > God Bless us all, everyone. > Karl. Thanks, Karl. You're clearly a good cat slave! And we want to see pics! Hi Group, Update.... Little Darkie is no longer coughing... When he had two pills left I forgot to give them to him because of the kittens my "friends" dumped on me, it consumes about all my spare time to tend to them so I forgot. He started to cough again so I gave him the last two, one each day. After that (and the big house clean up earlier) his cough was gone, to my happy suprise. I was skeptical it would just go away but it did. I will still also get a "Austin Air, Health Mate" air purifier any way becasue it would help with or without the asthma condition. It's a first class HEPA/carbon unit with "5 year" filter, I've been in contact with the company and their service/help is top notch as well. I also no longer use the evaporative "swamp" cooler. It is for dry climates (like here in Phoenix, AZ) that works on wet pads to cool the air by evaporation with the passing of outside air into the house, it has no filtration and draws in whatever is floating around out side. I was putting off to report the great news affraid that once I say it is all gone it may just come back now!!!! Like a jinx. Mary, - They did not say Asthma exactly, they said something like "Asthmatic/Bronchial condition" but not necessarily Asthma. May have been a seasonal thing. -I have still not yet checked this carbon laced litter out either, I do add a bit of baking soda to the bottom of litter box after each cleaning. -The AC filters are in home depot, just walk past the $5 ones and go to the $16 ones made by 3M. Anything by 3M is ALWAYS the BEST. -Yes, my house is over half tiled. Only the hall and bedrooms are carpet. -I don't spray the bleach nor 409, I just pour a bit into each litter pan and scrub the old fasioned way. If I'm doing it "too clean" I'm hitting my mark. Thanks all for your help and genuine concern, the kitties and I do appreciate it. GodSpeed, Karl. honda ruehs at cox dot net > Hi Group, > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > After that (and the big house clean up earlier) his cough was gone, to > my happy suprise. I was skeptical it would just go away but it did. Super! I know you're relieved. > I will still also get a "Austin Air, Health Mate" air purifier any way > becasue it would help with or without the asthma condition. It's a > first class HEPA/carbon unit with "5 year" filter, I've been in contact > with the company and their service/help is top notch as well. I love these things. Not only do they clean the air well, but it has gotten so that we have a hard time sleeping without the soothing hum of the big one in the bedroom. [...] > Mary, > > - They did not say Asthma exactly, they said something like > "Asthmatic/Bronchial condition" but not necessarily Asthma. May have > been a seasonal thing. Well I hope it was just seasonal and that Darkie never gets asthma. > -I have still not yet checked this carbon laced litter out either, I do > add a bit of baking soda to the bottom of litter box after each > cleaning. > > -The AC filters are in home depot, just walk past the $5 ones and go to > the $16 ones made by 3M. Anything by 3M is ALWAYS the BEST. Hmm, well this is good to know! > -Yes, my house is over half tiled. Only the hall and bedrooms are > carpet. That's good--but I hope one day you might consider hardwood in the bedroom, as this is the prime area where you do not want dust and mold--for you, not just for the cats! Plus, you might like it. It is so nice not ever having stuff soak in that you then have to work to get out. You can still have lovely area rugs for softness under your bare toes. My halls are hardwood, slate, and tile but the hardwoods upstairs have carpet runners. Point is, the less carpet the better for all of you. It is great to be able to use a crevice tool and get all the dust out of the corners top to bottom, and damp mop the floors. It is just a really clean feeling. > -I don't spray the bleach nor 409, I just pour a bit into each litter > pan and scrub the old fasioned way. If I'm doing it "too clean" I'm > hitting my mark. Good! > Thanks all for your help and genuine concern, the kitties and I do > appreciate it. Thanks for letting us know how it turned out, and good luck with Darkie and the new kittens. We would love to see pics of the kits and any new ones of Darkie, by the way! Hi Mary, Yes the pics... I have a few although I have no web site to post (host?) them to... If anyone can post them I can email a couple pics and if they could link them to this thread, I think that is how it works... Thanks again group, I'll continue lurking and may even chime in every now and then. I don't ask many questions becasue I usualy find what I need through google history searching. In the words of Eric Kartman, "Man.... I love you guys......" Have fun, Karl. Hi Group, Another cough Update.... Recently my house A/C unit broke and I had to switch to using the evaporative swamp cooler. In two days Little Darkie started his cough again, it's been weeks since his last coughing spell while using the A/C! By day three or four I got the A/C fixed and he has not coughed since.....Interesting.... Have fun, Karl. honda ruehs at cox dot net > Hi Group, > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Have fun, Karl. > honda ruehs at cox dot net Sure sounds like asthma. > Hi Group, > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > since his last coughing spell while using the A/C! By day three or four > I got the A/C fixed and he has not coughed since.....Interesting.... He may be allergic to mold. On Sat 07 May 2005 04:19:51p, wrote in rec.pets.cats.health+behav (news:1115497191.090718.141160@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com): > Any suggestions for a good working air purifier with no filters > or filters I can clean, please chime in... I hear good and bad > about the "Ionic breese" machine so I have to research on what > to buy, how many, how to maintain them, and where in the house > to use them. I usualy research on the net and then check it out > and/or buy on ebay, it is my best/favorite way. Karl, my cat is extremely allergic to household allergens, and I've just had him to a veterinary dermatologist. His allergic reactions don't include asthma, yet, (~4 years old) but skin reactions. The vet dermatoligist told me that air cleaners don't help much. Cats commonly have allergies to substances already in the carpets and bedding, like mold spores and dust mites, and they are closer to the source than we are. Not likely to be cleaned enough by a circulating air cleaner. Either tear up the carpets, or vaccum daily. Keep bedding he sleeps on laundered often. SignatureCheryl "The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited breath." - W.C. Fields > I changed to a less perfumey litter (I > always hated the smell of that flowery [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > pans after the biweekly littler pan > washing. Tidy Cats is very heavily scented and not appropriate for an asthmatic cat (or any cat IMO.) If you use clay, try Everclean *unscented.* If you want to go to a good, minimally dusty corn-based litter, try World's Best Cat litter. This is what I use with my asthmatic (and other) cats. > -May also look into a "activated > charcoal" type clumping litter with > larger clay particals as the vet uses > this herself even though it is more > expensive. See above. > -No more air "freshener" spray, actulay > my room mate used that in the bathroom [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > house AC filter rather than the regular > (cheap) ones I have been using. If you haven't had your ducts cleaned, you should. Ductwork is a major container of inhalant allergens and bacteria and regular maintenance is important. Be aware that not all duct cleaning is equal, so do your research and don't settle for cheap discount deals from flyers in your mailbox. Duct cleaning should include the use of a tool that actually has contact with and cleans the insides of the ductwork. You get what you pay for. > -Kitties no longer allowed near use of > sanding, solvents, glues, or paints. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > suspecting the carpet cleaning fluid, it > does not smell terribly strong either). > -When I wash litter pans with 409 and > bleach (both very strong) You're not mixing these are you? I use Clorox Clean Up to wash boxes and it works quite well. If you switch to World's Best Cat Litter you'll find that litterboxes stay very clean. I've had mine for years and they look just as good as the day I bought them and have no residual odors in the plastic. With the WBCL you also don't get that residue that you do with clay litter and it rinses off the box with ease. >the bathroom > door is now shut, exhaust fan on, and NO > cats allowed in the room with the fumes > and I use a respirator (gas mask). Door > is kept shut with fan on until all fumes > are gone, at least 30 min.. I'm curious as to why you're going this route when there are simpler ways to clean a litterbox... >-Will also > look into a few air cleaner machines for [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > buy, how many, how to maintain them, and > where in the house to use them. Forget the Ionic Breeze and so called electronic air cleaners, and especially stay away from "ozone" air cleaners as they are a health hazard. Your best bet is to buy a true hepa air cleaner and make sure it is appropriate to the room size that you are buying it for. Sears is a good place to buy these as they usually have sales and you will be able to easily get replacement filters. Megan Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray On Sat 07 May 2005 09:55:22p, wrote in rec.pets.cats.health+behav (news:25696-427D718A-47@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net): > Tidy Cats is very heavily scented and not appropriate for an > asthmatic cat (or any cat IMO.) If you use clay, try Everclean > *unscented.* If you want to go to a good, minimally dusty > corn-based litter, try World's Best Cat litter. This is what I > use with my asthmatic (and other) cats. I finally found some unscented Arm & Hammer today. Target had it in 35 lb boxes. I haven't seen unscented in a long time. I usually only look in Petco or Petsmart. > If you haven't had your ducts cleaned, you should. Ductwork is a > major container of inhalant allergens and bacteria and regular [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > the use of a tool that actually has contact with and cleans the > insides of the ductwork. You get what you pay for. I cannot stress this any more than Megan did. Ducts have so many allergens that probably make *US* feel sick too. When I got my carpets professionally cleaned, the guy explained about the dark marks around the baseboards. This is dust and dirt that is forced out through the baseboards because of dirty ducts. SignatureCheryl "The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited breath." - W.C. Fields > On Sat 07 May 2005 09:55:22p, wrote in rec.pets.cats.health+behav > (news:25696-427D718A-47@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net): [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > marks around the baseboards. This is dust and dirt that is forced > out through the baseboards because of dirty ducts. I thought everyone had their ducts cleaned yearly. I have a guy on contract for this and the chimneys. > On Sat 07 May 2005 09:55:22p, wrote in rec.pets.cats.health+behav > (news:25696-427D718A-47@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net): [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > -- > Cheryl Cleaning the ducts will definitely help. We used the allergen-filters that you put over the vents; and even the first year we built this house it was amazing what kind of crud that cloth would catch. And there are some people for which duct cleaning just isn't an option..people in apartments, etc.; they're a good way to cut down on the amount of dust carried in by the vents if you can't have them cleaned professionally. Sherry On Sun 08 May 2005 02:22:41a, wrote in rec.pets.cats.health+behav (news:1115533361.795896.151970@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com): > Cleaning the ducts will definitely help. We used the > allergen-filters that you put over the vents; and even the first [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Sherry I've looked at those duct filters, but with a heat pump that doesn't really force heat out very well (and I replaced the heat pump with a very expensive, HUGE unit the first winter after I bought the house) I was afraid to obstruct the flow. As a first time home owner (on my own since being single) I just don't know about these things. LOL I'm learning! SignatureCheryl "The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited breath." - W.C. Fields > > I changed to a less perfumey litter (I > > always hated the smell of that flowery [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Tidy Cats is very heavily scented and not appropriate for an asthmatic > cat (or any cat IMO.) Bullshit. I switched from Scoop Fresh to Tidy Cat and it was one of the things that brought about my cat's reduction from a shot of Depo Medrol every two months to one every six months. >>Tidy Cats is very heavily scented and not >>appropriate for an asthmatic cat (or any >>cat IMO.) >Bullshit. I switched from Scoop Fresh to >Tidy Cat and it was one of the things that >brought about my cat's reduction from a >shot of Depo Medrol every two months to >one every six months. That's nice, but it doesn't change the fact that Tidy Cat Litter is heavy on the perfume. Less dust is probably what helped your cat. I have a couple of clients that use TC and I can smell the perfume from a few feet away. Asthmatic cats should not only have a low dust litter, but also one that is *unscented.* Tidy Cat is not. Megan Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray > >>Tidy Cats is very heavily scented and not > >>appropriate for an asthmatic cat (or any [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > That's nice, but it doesn't change the fact that Tidy Cat Litter is > heavy on the perfume. Compared to other perfumed litters, it is not. I would have chosen one with no scent but there was none at the store where I was when inspiration hit me. Happily, she did not require a non-scented litter. My point is that simply switching to a less scented litter may work, since it did indeed work for me. >Less dust is probably what helped your cat. In part, perhaps, but she is sensitive to perfume, as my own was part of what brought on attacks. > > I changed to a less perfumey litter (I > > always hated the smell of that flowery [quoted text clipped - 115 lines] > > - W.H. Murray Another cat litter that I've been very pleased with that is unscented clay, scoopable, and has very little, if any, dust is Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat cat litter -- you can find it at Petsmart. Read the labels on the bags as there are scented versions of this brand, too. I use the blue bag for Multiple Cats (as I have 5). hth, Christine B. > -When I wash litter pans with 409 and bleach (both very strong) the > bathroom door is now shut, exhaust fan on, and NO cats allowed in the > room with the fumes and I use a respirator (gas mask). Door is kept > shut with fan on until all fumes are gone, at least 30 min.. > -Will also look into a few air cleaner machines for inside the house, > they could only help for cats and humans alike. That sounds like an awful lot of work for a clean litterbox. Bleach alone will kill about any bacteria. I just swish straight bleach around in it, use a brush if I have to, rinse with the garden hose and let them dry in the sun once a week. Sherry > In Meesha's > > case, they did x-rays and blood tests too. At the time, they did test [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Phil Thanks for the reply, Phil. I can't remember other than the x-rays and tracheal wash what exact tests were performed. Something like a cytology (?) sticks out. Her symptoms are pretty classic. So far the natural cortisone has been working really well for Meesha. If a time comes when it doesn't, I would definitely like to try the Flovent with the Aerokat you spoke of. Meesha hadn't had a coughing attack for almost a year when yesterday her brother was being a brat and attacked her, which the stress brought on an attack. What's interesting is when Meesha would be getting inflammation and therefore weak, that's when Mickey seemed to pick on her the most. Maybe animals sense the weakness and it's just in their nature to attack the weaker. Lauren |
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