We've been back to the vet today and there is still some concern he could have asthma. We have been given a 10 day course of steroids, and have to monitor closely after that is over to see if we notice his ribcage going up and down more and him stopping short during play. Plan is to go back in 2 weeks, to see how he progresses, and, if there is still concern he could be asthmatic to do an X-ray which the vet said is pretty sound at indicating either asthma or infection that they look pretty distinctive. It'd mean sedation, which frightens me, the vet said it is safe but there is always some risk...so I'd be nervous as hell if he has to have it.
Has anyone got any advice for me here? I'm one nervous pet owner just now!

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Sorry missed this earlier!

Not familiar with your cat's history but I assume rapid breathing/cough? Honestly, it may not come to this but if sedation is necessary I really wouldn't worry. Lots of cats are sedated everyday with no adverse results. The key here is establishing the correct diagnosis so good luck with that.

How's he doing on steroids?

Hi

My cat Poppy was diagnosed with asthma last year, it took them 3weeks! In this time she was sedated a few times for various procedures..They thought a blockage and maybe something up her nose.
Im happy to say she came through it all.
Try not to worry im sure you puss will be fine

He does seem happier on the steroids, his symptoms are quite subtle though, no gasping or coughing, just his sides going up and down rapidly, stopping several times during play after not that long, but it was initially picked up pretty much randomly because I'd taken him in for not eating well. He was given steroids then and it is only seeing him before and after that that I can really perceive any difference. He does seem to have more energy and generally, he seems more content, but that seems quite disconnected from his lungs if I hadn't been watching for changes I probably wouldn't have noticed.

Confused though, what are the long term treatments? The first vet said if he had asthma it'd mean a steroid injection every 3 months, the 2nd vet said giving steroids long term can cause cushions disease, but didn't say what the alternative is. He did say there are inhallers - masks you can put on your cat if they have an asthma attack, but he's never had one so far. What treatment has Poppy had, Sharon? How did you spot the condition in her?

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