ASTHMA IS COMMON IN CATS

Sometimes a cat will hunker down in front, stretch out her neck, and take raspy, wheezing, spasmodic breaths. A reader of “Venture Inward” has asked Veterinarian Dr. Knueven, what might cause this. “As for treatment, it is possible there may be an inflammation in the airways of the lungs which is often related to allergies or other disruptions of the immune system. X-rays can be helpful for clarification. A balanced, raw-food diet has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Adding fish oil to the diet quiets inflammation. Feline specific probiotics added to the food has a balancing effect on the immune system and can be helpful. Dusty kitty litter, cigarette smoke, other airborne particles and chemical fumes can trigger asthma attacks and must be avoided. Using fewer chemical cleaners and air fresheners, and getting an air filter may help. Taking anti-oxidant vitamins (l00-200 milligrams of vitamin C (ester-C is preferred) and 50-100 international units of vitamin E can be of help,” says Dr. Knueven.

It is very important to check on the kind of kitty litter being used. When cleaning the litter box each day, if it looks too clumpy when being cleaned that would indicate it might be dusty and lead to asthma. There are acupressure points on either side of the spine between the shoulder blades that affect the lungs. Massaging these points during an attack can lessen the severity.

Doug Knueven, DVM, is the author of “Stand by Me, A Holistic Handbook for Animals, People and the Lives They Share,” For more information, go to www.BeaverAnimalClinic.com.