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#61
November 6th 03, 05:11 AM
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"Phil P." wrote in message ... Mary, There are three types of allergy tests available for cats: the "old fashioned" patch test -- which is still considered by most vets to be the most accurate and reliable allergy test available. The other allergy tests are the RAST and ELISA - both of these tests are mechanistically very similar. Even though the patch test is more accurate and reliable, I still prefer the RAST or ELISA tests because with these tests suspected antigens are tested in a test tube rather than on the cat. Sounds like just what I am interested in, and I'll bet the vet school in Raleigh does these tests. I'll check with my vet first. It would certainly be worth trying to avoid the things my cat is allergic to rather than pumping her full of steroids of any kind. There's another test for feline asthma and bronchitis called the trans-tracheal wash or by its older name "trans-tracheal aspiration biopsy".. This test involves placing a catheter down a tracheal tube into the lungs. [...] I don't think the test is worth the anesthetic risk - I know I'll get lots of arguments about that, but that's my opinion. No arguments from me. I wouldn't put her through that, esp. since it is really hard to miss that it IS asthma. I won't let them put her under to clean her teeth, either. I absolutely agree with you about being cautious about the use of anesthesia. I would strongly recommend running several fecal exams. Several parasites inhabit or migrate through the lungs as part of their lifecycle. Airway parasites are notorious for inciting inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Will do. There are two additional treatment modalities you might want to look into. Instead of systemic corticosteroids, a lot of people with asthmatic cats have gotten into inhaled steroids, such as Flovent delivered via an aerochamber called the Aerokat chamber. http://www.aerokat.com The advantage of inhaled steroids is that they're delivered directly to the airways and lungs. Very little of the drug enters the circulation. However, inhaled steroids won't have any effect on eosinophilic granulomas. The other is a life-saving, at-home emergency treatment in the event your cat has an attack and you can't get to an emergency clinic in time. You might want to speak to your vet about teaching you how to give your cat terbutaline SC. Terbutaline is a bronchodilator that can be administered as easily as giving SC insulin injections to diabetic cats. The injections will also minimize the number of very stressful trips to the emergency clinic. Good to know. Do you have carpeting in you home? Some carpets and/or their backings contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. Since eosinophilic granulomas and asthma can both be the result of a hypersensitivity reaction, its possible that a single allergen is causing both reactions. No carpet, just some area rugs on hardwoods. No heavy drapes, either. Did the shelter mention anything to you about your cat's conditions, or did they develop after you brought him home? I called after the first attack, and the shelter owner told me that a volunteer had once reported a similar episode, and that she would take her back or pay for her exam. I told her I would take care of it, because "it's not like she's a used car!" I love this shelter, the animals are unbelievably sweet, and wish I could give them more than I do. I paid $75 for a beautiful year-old cat, all shots and exams up to date, spayed, and perfectly socialized. Even with the vet expense she is worth it. She was pregnant when they found her stray and feral, and she had two little babies, and was sweet enough to adopt and feed a kitten who was orphaned. My Cheeks is my heart!  One last quick thought - you might want to try feeding him the same food he was eating in the shelter and see if his symptoms subside. The next step should be a food elimination trial using a novel protein source. Here's some information I hope you find helpful: http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/asthma.html Keep the faith! Best of luck. Phil. Thank you for your time and input, Phil. 
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#62
November 6th 03, 05:31 AM
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"Phil P." wrote in message ... http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/asthma.html Phil, what a GREAT site, I read the entire thing. I want to get the Aerokat inhaler, at $55 it is worth it for the peace of mind. If my understanding of what I read is correct, I can give her a bronchodilator in an emergency that could save her life, whether or not I choose to administer her steroids that way. Thanks so much. I plan to see my vet soon about this.
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#63
November 6th 03, 05:31 AM
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"Phil P." wrote in message ... http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/asthma.html Phil, what a GREAT site, I read the entire thing. I want to get the Aerokat inhaler, at $55 it is worth it for the peace of mind. If my understanding of what I read is correct, I can give her a bronchodilator in an emergency that could save her life, whether or not I choose to administer her steroids that way. Thanks so much. I plan to see my vet soon about this.
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#65
November 6th 03, 01:11 PM
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From: "Karen M."
Phil P. wrote: "PawsForThought" wrote in message ... if I am understanding it right, As usual, you're not.... the immune system has to be comprised to begin with, then it overreacts. There's nothing in the *real* veterinary literature to support the theory that asthma is caused by a compromised immune system... Most asthmatic cats, especially the Siamese, and possibly Himalayan, are simply genetically susceptible to developing asthma. According to Don Hamilton, DVM, Who? Ah yes, another homeopathic au naturel cult vet-turned-book-seller.... " The immune system becomes overreactive and then develops an allergy to whatever potential allergens are around...The immune system must be compromised first, I'd like to see from where he conjured up that theory! LOL! It sure wasn't from the Veterinary Medical Data Base at Purdue or *real* published veterinary literature! No one exactly knows what all affects these kinds of disorders, so back off. Unless you can *disprove* what was stated, it remains a viable opinion, just like most on here. Thanks, Karen. Dr. Hamilton is a highly respected veterinarian, something Phil is NOT. Let's see, shall I listen to a highly respected professional veterinarian, or some a*hole vet wannabee on an internet newsgroup? LOL Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm
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#66
November 6th 03, 01:12 PM
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Mary,
One of the reasons we recommend humidity control is dust mites and most molds both require humidity levels in excess of 55% for 48 hours to continue their pathetic life. Control humidity and you eliminate these two problems almost completely. How you control humidity is another issue. It could take several pages to describe moisture control but I can condense it to a few important points. First you must have home that operates on a positive pressure to reduce moisture infiltration. You can test this by running your heating and air system and checking smoke movement at doors and windows. Remember your house may be positive normally, but when you run a dryer or exhaust fan it may go negative which is bad. A good site for some additional information is http://www.thermastor.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=217 I have recommended these products for years at various companies I have been employed at with great success. I hope this helps. -- Jeremy Lowe www.healthypetnet.com/jeremy Have you hugged your pet today? "Mary" wrote in message . com... Jeremy Lowe wrote: Mary, As a CIE (Certified Indoor Environmentalist) I often am called to help people deal with asthma in their homes. Jeremy, this is wonderful information because I have allergies--was tested and am most intensely allergic to dust, mold, cats and one kind of tree that is indigenous to the northeast but does not grow where I currently live. So-- I am very lucky to have been spared the plant allergies, but when one is allergic to dust and mold it is like being allergic to the world! And ... of course, I live with two cats. When I was diagnosed as allergic to cats my baby was 16. Get rid of her? HELL no! In fact I got another and when my 1st cat died, adopted an adult from a shelter. I love cats, and the level of allergic reaction I have is just annoying, not life-threatening. However--lately I have been wheezing. My father and sister have asthma, so I wonder if I do or will. Point: for me and my cat, all of your suggestions are very helpful. Mary, in 18 plus years of dealing with IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) issues in homes and offices, I have found that these "triggers" widely vary from person to person. Triggers may be bug and pest dander, household dusts, mycotoxins released from molds, and even chemicals may trigger severe asthmatic reactions. What we do: I have hepa filters in all the rooms where creatures sleep, including mine. We have professionals clean ever two weeks. I could do a better job of dusting in between--those static "Swiffer" things look pretty good. I was the bedding often, but I imagine getting a mattress cover that "seals in" dust mites might be good, you think? I was giving Cheeks and Buddha baths about 4 times a year, but gave up bathing Cheeks as she appears to be convinced I am about to murder her--every time. What is pretty funny is that I take her to the vet for allergy shots but I am allergic to her and just take over-the- counter antihistamines. I love Claritin, hate benedryl as the latter dries me out and makes me sleepy. First and foremost is humidity control. We must maintain a relative humidity of less than 55% year round in the home to prevent mold growth and to reduce the life cycle of dust mites which are a well documented allergen. How does one do this, Jeremy? And what is wrong with my vet who told me to put a humidifier under the place where my Cheeks likes to hang out and look out the window? He had me thinking moisture was best? Third we need to reduce and eliminate if at all possible the use of chemical based cleaning agents in our home since many chemical sensitivities are documented to be involved with humans with asthma. I had not thought of this. I will research it. I always sneeze in the bathroom but I thought that was mold induced. Now as I said before, this is for humans, but since our feline friends are at ground level often they are even more susceptible to these allergens and chemicals and molds. Thanks so much for taking the time to give us your good ideas.
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#67
November 6th 03, 01:12 PM
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Mary,
One of the reasons we recommend humidity control is dust mites and most molds both require humidity levels in excess of 55% for 48 hours to continue their pathetic life. Control humidity and you eliminate these two problems almost completely. How you control humidity is another issue. It could take several pages to describe moisture control but I can condense it to a few important points. First you must have home that operates on a positive pressure to reduce moisture infiltration. You can test this by running your heating and air system and checking smoke movement at doors and windows. Remember your house may be positive normally, but when you run a dryer or exhaust fan it may go negative which is bad. A good site for some additional information is http://www.thermastor.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=217 I have recommended these products for years at various companies I have been employed at with great success. I hope this helps. -- Jeremy Lowe www.healthypetnet.com/jeremy Have you hugged your pet today? "Mary" wrote in message . com... Jeremy Lowe wrote: Mary, As a CIE (Certified Indoor Environmentalist) I often am called to help people deal with asthma in their homes. Jeremy, this is wonderful information because I have allergies--was tested and am most intensely allergic to dust, mold, cats and one kind of tree that is indigenous to the northeast but does not grow where I currently live. So-- I am very lucky to have been spared the plant allergies, but when one is allergic to dust and mold it is like being allergic to the world! And ... of course, I live with two cats. When I was diagnosed as allergic to cats my baby was 16. Get rid of her? HELL no! In fact I got another and when my 1st cat died, adopted an adult from a shelter. I love cats, and the level of allergic reaction I have is just annoying, not life-threatening. However--lately I have been wheezing. My father and sister have asthma, so I wonder if I do or will. Point: for me and my cat, all of your suggestions are very helpful. Mary, in 18 plus years of dealing with IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) issues in homes and offices, I have found that these "triggers" widely vary from person to person. Triggers may be bug and pest dander, household dusts, mycotoxins released from molds, and even chemicals may trigger severe asthmatic reactions. What we do: I have hepa filters in all the rooms where creatures sleep, including mine. We have professionals clean ever two weeks. I could do a better job of dusting in between--those static "Swiffer" things look pretty good. I was the bedding often, but I imagine getting a mattress cover that "seals in" dust mites might be good, you think? I was giving Cheeks and Buddha baths about 4 times a year, but gave up bathing Cheeks as she appears to be convinced I am about to murder her--every time. What is pretty funny is that I take her to the vet for allergy shots but I am allergic to her and just take over-the- counter antihistamines. I love Claritin, hate benedryl as the latter dries me out and makes me sleepy. First and foremost is humidity control. We must maintain a relative humidity of less than 55% year round in the home to prevent mold growth and to reduce the life cycle of dust mites which are a well documented allergen. How does one do this, Jeremy? And what is wrong with my vet who told me to put a humidifier under the place where my Cheeks likes to hang out and look out the window? He had me thinking moisture was best? Third we need to reduce and eliminate if at all possible the use of chemical based cleaning agents in our home since many chemical sensitivities are documented to be involved with humans with asthma. I had not thought of this. I will research it. I always sneeze in the bathroom but I thought that was mold induced. Now as I said before, this is for humans, but since our feline friends are at ground level often they are even more susceptible to these allergens and chemicals and molds. Thanks so much for taking the time to give us your good ideas.
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#68
November 6th 03, 04:59 PM
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#69
November 6th 03, 04:59 PM
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#70
November 6th 03, 05:46 PM
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Mary wrote: "Karen M." wrote in message ... No one exactly knows what all affects these kinds of disorders, so back off. it right Karen is right, Phil, at least according to my vet, whom I trust and who has had his practice for over 30 years. He said that "some cats just get it." Sorry, Mary. I didn't mean to clutter your post with this stuff, I'm just tired of it from other threads. That said, I'm glad you got some more good info from Phil. The more the merrier, right? Still keeping my finger crossed!
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