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- What are Lucy's chances? The vet thought it was
"pretty good" -- but what are statistics?
- Could this be part of a chronic condition. What is likelihood
that I might have a frail, sick kitty?
- Miles has sneezed a few times, what is likelihood he will
also become ill?
- Praying that Lucy makes it -- will Miles be depressed when
she is gone? Will they be back to "normal" when she
returns? They seemed very attached.
- If Lucy does not make it...I would like to bring another
kitten home to keep Miles company. Will Miles accept him/her? Is
a female better than another male?
Sincerely, Missing Lucy
Dear Missing Lucy,
Pneumonia occurs when irritation in lungs leads to
inflammation and causes fluid to build up.
Pneumonia can
be caused by anything from bacteria, fungal or viral infections, heartworm, lungworm and other factors. All can be
serious. The most common symptom is difficulty breathing,
particularly when it comes to inhaling. As you noted in Lucy, her
breaths became rapid and shallow. These are common symptoms. What
happens is that as the lungs become filled with fluid there are
less functional air spaces. Other symptoms include, bluish or
grayish tongue, gums and/or lips. This is otherwise known as
cyanosis, and is a sign of poor oxygen content in the blood.
Additional symptoms include fevers in exces of 104 degrees
Fahrenheit.
PROGNOSIS
- Lung infections are serious. However, early diagnosis and
treatment, usually leads to successful outcomes for kitties and
their people. Only a vet can make a correct diagnosis on
Pneumonia and the underlying causes. This is very important for
determining the appropriate treatment.
- Tests include x-rays or
ultrasound, in addition to fluid cultures among other tests.
LONG TERM EFFECTS
- There is a risk that the Pneumonia could damage her lung
tissues and thus make this a chronic condition. The reason is
that the Pneumonia and underlying causes may cause changes in the
airway's structure. This means that even if the initial cause
is treated, the lungs have already been damaged and cannot return
to normal form.
- When this happens, any treatment is aimed at
controlling symptoms and preventing further damage. These
treatments may include the removal of irritants, allergens or the
giving of drugs or treating of bacterial infections, as well as
the administration of corticosteroids or decongestants to reduce
inflammation.
As for Miles contracting Pneumonia, the risk is dependent upon
the cause of Lucy's condition. Should this be caused by
fungi, viruses or bacteria, there is a risk. In that case you may
want to take Miles to the vet for preventive care. Because you
began treatment early, Lucy has a good shot at it. I expect that
both Miles & Lucy will resume to normal upon her return. You
should take some precautions in the introduction. Check out
Helping New Cats Adjust for tips on
re-introductions. I hope this is of help to you. Keep me posted.
Simba
PS
Heaven forbid, but should Lucy not make it check out the Choosing Kittens and Death of a Friend sections of
Simba's Letters
Dear Simba,
Last year our 15-year-old Siamese female cat was not
doing well. The vet told us she had pneumonia and treated her for
this. She recovered. The only problem that remains is she has a
hard time breathing. Her respiratory system is badly congested.
And she wheezes and fights to get air. And eating is hard since
she cannot breathe while she eats, she now breathes through her
mouth and of course you can see while eating is hard for her. She
needs some help but our vet says. "Nothing can be done, this
is the results of the pneumonia and she will have to live with
it." What is your opinion? Does she? - Needing Help
Dear Needing Help,
There are specialists in all fields of veterinary medicine. My
instinct says that you should take your cat to another vet or a
local veterinary hospital to get a second opinion. Getting a
new round of ultrasounds or x-rays may help identify the
particulars of this wheezing. Do not wait. Simba
Follow up:
Thank you for your advice about my 15-year-old Siamese cat,
Sugar,you have given me direction and hope for getting some
relief for my cat. I will made an appointment now and get her
some help. Thanks for being there. My pleasure.
Simba
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