Pneumonia in Cats

Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection caused by inhalation of foreign material. The severity of the inflammation depends on the material inhaled and the distribution of foreign material in the lungs. A common cause of aspiration pneumonia is the improper administration of liquid medicines. Animals that breathe in vomit or attempt to eat or drink while partially choked are at risk for aspiration pneumonia as well. Disturbances in the normal swallowing mechanism, such as in anesthetized or comatose animals, or in animals with deformities such as cleft palate, may also lead to aspiration pneumonia. Cats are particularly susceptible to aspiration pneumonia caused by aspiration of tasteless products such as mineral oil.

A history suggesting that a foreign substance might have been inhaled is the most important clue to diagnosing this disease. Signs include labored or rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, and fever. Other signs include bluish mucous membranes and airway spasms. A sweetish, off-smelling breath may be detected, which becomes more intense as the disease progresses. This is often associated with a nasal discharge that sometimes is tinged reddish brown or green. Occasionally, evidence of the breathed-in material (for example, oil droplets) can be seen in the nasal discharge or coughed-up material.

As with nearly all disease conditions, prevention is better than treatment. This is especially the case for aspiration pneumonia, because the outlook is poor even with treatment. The rate of death is high, and recovered animals often develop lung abscesses. Veterinarians normally use drugs and other precautions to minimize the risk of an animal inhaling fluid (such as saliva) during surgery. If a cat is known to have inhaled a foreign substance, broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually prescribed without waiting for signs of pneumonia to appear. Care and supportive treatment are the same as for other types of pneumonia.

Chlamydiae bacteria have been identified as a cause of pneumonia in cats. This type of pneumonia in cats usually develops in association with the more common chlaymdial conjunctivitis and rhinitis. Chlamydial pneumonia is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci. Treatment is with appropriate antibiotics.

Fungal pneumonia (also called mycotic pneumonia) is a fungal infection of the lung that leads to the development of pneumonia. A number of fungi have been shown to cause fungal pneumonia in domestic animals (see Major Causes of Fungal Pneumonia). Often these fungi are found in animals with compromised immune systems, but they can cause disease in healthy animals as well. The source of most fungal infections is believed to be inhalation of spores from the soil.

In cats, the fungus Cryptococcus tends to colonize in the nasal cavity where it causes inflammation of the nasal and sinus lining. A short, moist cough is characteristic of the disease, and a thick discharge of mucus from the nose may be seen. As the disease progresses, labored breathing, weight loss, and generalized weakness develop. Inflammation of lymph nodes can cause airway compression, making it more difficult for the cat to breathe. Periodic fever can occur, possibly caused by bacterial infections.

A tentative diagnosis of fungal pneumonia can be made if an animal with longterm respiratory disease shows the typical signs and does not respond to antibiotic therapy. (Antibiotics are effective against bacteria but not against fungi or other organisms.) However, a definite diagnosis requires identification of the fungus using appropriate laboratory tests. X-rays and blood tests may be useful.

Antifungal drugs are used to treat fungal pneumonia. Extended drug therapy, which may be needed for several months after symptoms have disappeared, is usually necessary to effectively treat the infection.