Tracheobronchitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the trachea and bronchial airways; it may also extend into the lungs. It is more likely to occur in cats already affected by respiratory disease or a disorder of the lungs or airways. Tracheobronchitis in cats can be caused by immune dysfunction, parasites, by diseases of the mouth and pharynx, or by chronic coughing related to heart or lung disease. Other causes include smoke inhalation and exposure to chemica
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils and is rare in cats. When seen, it is usually caused by another underlying condition (such as a nose, mouth, or throat condition; or longterm coughing or vomiting). Plant fibers or other foreign bodies that lodge in a tonsil may produce inflammation or infection. Other physical and chemical agents may cause irritation of the mouth and upper throat and one or both tonsils. Tonsillitis may also accompany tumors in the tonsil b
Rhinitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. Sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. Rhinitis and sinusitis often occur together, which is termed rhinosinusitis. Inflammation or other damage to the nasal mucous membranes are common upper respiratory tract disorders in cats. If the nasal passages deteriorate and fail to function properly, a major filt
Pulmonary thromboembolism is the blockage of one or more blood vessels in the lungs by a blood clot. Certain diseases (such as cancer and heart disease) and critical illnesses can put cats at increased risk for developing this potentially life-threatening condition. When the blood vessel blockage is significant, severe circulatory and respiratory changes can develop.
Signs vary depending on the severity of the blockage. Labored breat
Pulmonary edema, the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissue, airways, or air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs, may occur along with circulatory disorders (such as congestive heart failure) or in some allergic reactions or infectious diseases. Head trauma can cause pulmonary edema in cats. Labored breathing, with an increased rate, and open-mouth breathing may occur. Animals stand rather than lying down, lie only on their chest, or assume a sitting position. The veterinaria
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and airways that causes breathing difficulties and deficiency of oxygen in the blood. There are many possible causes. The most common cause of pneumonia is a viral infection of the lower respiratory tract. Feline calicivirus, for example, causes damage to the airways and makes the animal susceptible to development of pneumonia. Infections with bacteria (such as Mycoplasma and C
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the walls of the throat (pharynx). It accompanies most upper airway viral and bacterial respiratory infections. Calicivirus infections in cats may cause lesions of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. Mouth pain and resistance to having the mouth opened may indicate an abscess (pocket of pus and infection) at the back of the throat or the presence of a penetrating foreign object or growth in the mouth or tonsils. Cats are prone
Nasopharyngeal polypscan cause signs of upper respiratory disease, such as increased sounds associated with breathing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. These polyps typically arise from the middle ear and extend through the auditory (Eustachian) tube into the nasopharynx. Occasionally they may arise from the auditory tube or throat lining. The cause is unclear but may be related to chronic (longterm) inflammation.
Nasopharyngeal polyps
Lungworm infection of the lower respiratory tract, usually resulting in bronchitis or pneumonia, can be caused by any of several parasitic nematodes (roundworms), including Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Eucoleus aerophilus in cats. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is normally transferred to cats after eating a bird or rodent that has previously eaten a slug or snail containi
The adult flukes Paragonimus kellicotti and Paragonimus westermani usually live in cysts or bulla, primarily in the lungs of cats. They also have been found rarely in other organs or the brain. Infection is most common in China, southeast Asia, and North America. The eggs from the adult flukes, are coughed up, swallowed, and passed in the feces. The life cycle includes several snails as the first inter