Bm. Corcoran et al., FELINE ASTHMA SYNDROME - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE CLINICAL PRESENTATION IN 29 CATS, Journal of Small Animal Practice, 36(11), 1995, pp. 481-488
Feline asthma syndrome (FAS) is a clinical condition characterised by
recurrent bouts of coughing, wheezing and, or, dyspnoea. While the aet
iology is unproven, the condition is believed to involve a type I imme
diate hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled allergens. In this paper th
e clinical data from 29 cats, where a diagnosis of FAS was made, are a
ssessed retrospectively. The most common clinical presentation was rec
urrent bouts of coughing (n=26) and dyspnoea (n=21). Radiographic chan
ges were noted in 24 cats, which included increased bronchial (n=5), i
nterstitial (n=7) and mixed (n=12) (bronchial and interstitial) patter
ns. Right middle lung lobe collapse was noted in two cats. Abnormal br
onchial cytology was present in 16 cats. A predominant eosinophilic sa
mple was collected in only three cats. There were minimal changes in d
ifferential white cell counts, and mild eosinophilia was found in only
five cats. Prednisolone alone was the most effective therapy, althoug
h avoidance of putative aeroallergens and antibacterial therapy was ef
fective in some. Ori the basis of the data from these cases it would a
ppear that the diagnosis pf FAS depends largely on the clinical presen
tation and radiographic findings. The value of ancillary tests in the
diagnosis of FAS appears to be limited.