What You Should Know About Pet Asthma
At Belleview West Animal Hospital, we know that it is important for pet owners to understand that their pets can get pet asthma. This is a serious condition that affects pets throughout Littleton and the surrounding communities. Our veterinarian can diagnose and treat your pet’s asthma. If you have concerns about your pet’s asthma or it has been a while since your furry friend’s last checkup, contact Belleview West Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barnard.
How Animals Get Asthma
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine tells us that pet asthma is a condition that is still being researched. In cats, for example, pet asthma tends to develop when your pet is around 4 or 5 years old, but the research is still ongoing.
Pet asthma can be caused by many of the same issues that cause human asthma such as allergies. The biggest difference is that this condition is much harder to diagnose in pets than in people. This means that your pet’s asthma might have gone undiagnosed for years.
How Is Pet Asthma Diagnosed?
Pet asthma does not have a single test for diagnosis. Our veterinarian will examine your pet’s health, ask you about your pet’s medical history and symptoms, and use this information to make a diagnosis. Some specific tests can be used to get a better sense of what is going on with your pet. This includes tests like x-rays which can show inflammation in the bronchial tubes which is a strong sign of asthma.
How Our Vet Helps with Pet Asthma
Dr. Barnard takes a few different approaches to help with your pet’s asthma. After we make the diagnosis, we will create a treatment plan that works for you and your pet. Our veterinarian treats pet asthma with a few, proven, treatments. The most common treatment is corticosteroids which reduce the inflammation which causes asthma.
The next treatment is bronchodilators which are medicines that help relax the airways leading to the lungs. We can also explore other treatment options. These can be treating any underlying allergies and health issues that are impacting your pet’s ability to breathe clearly.
Contact Our Veterinarian in Littleton, CO
At Belleview West Animal Hospital we treat a variety of animal health issues, including pet asthma. Dr. Barnard cares about your pet and we know how challenging asthma can be. If you have concerns about your pet’s asthma and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barnard, call Belleview West Animal Hospital today at (303) 816-8080.