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We have a cat who is now 12 years old she has always had breathing problems. Our vet gave us some white powder to give her which was supposed to loosen the phlegm and help her breathing. It did loosen it but now she has a continual snotty nose which when she sneezes (which is often) we end up with snot on everything!!!! She has had numerous antibiotics and they have given her steroids but to no avail. Any ideas? could it be that she has allergies as I have noticed she appears to have got more snotty recently in the hot weather. If yes are there any antihistamines we can use. She is a lovely cat apart from the snot. Thank you for your time
Optional Information: Pet's Gender: Female Pet's Age: 12 Name of Cat: Feather Already Tried: Steroids and antibiotics also tried Vicks in water
Hi,
Cats can have allergies, and antihistamines are sometimes used. Chlorpheniramine (chlor-trimeton) is one that can be given to cats. The typical dosage is 0.1 mg per pound of body weight twice daily.
A treatment protocol that is sometimes used for cats with chronic upper respiratory infections is started with an intranasal vaccine called Felomune CVR. (It is made by Pfizer.) First saline solution is sprayed in the cat's nose to make it sneeze and clean out the nose. Then the vaccine is sprayed in. This is repeated three times three weeks apart each time. When the first vaccine is given the cat is also started on Baytril (this may be an antibiotic you've used before) for an entire month. I used this treatment on one of my own cats with excellent results. You will have to ask your veterinarian if they would be willing to try this.
If you have further questions let me know.
Best wishes,
Lynn
Experience: worked at a vet clinic for 18 yrs, BA in biology, experience with cats for 20+ years
Our vet did say it could be a form of Rhinitis but has never offered any answers to treatment. If this is a possibility have you any ideas on a treatment we could try if the other things you have mentioned dont work?
Rhinitis just means inflammation of the sinuses or nasal cavity. There can be many different underlying causes. Here is a page about this:
http://www.petplace.com/cats/rhinitis-and-sinusitis-in-cats/page1.aspx
Cats can be given an astragalus supplement which is an herb that boosts the immune system. It's useful in particular for respiratory issues. If you get a liquid form be sure there is no alcohol in the ingredients.
If your cat's problems are caused by the herpes virus then the amino acid L-lysine is a useful supplement:
http://www.vetinfo.com/controlling-cat-herpes-l-lysine.html
Here is one place in the UK that makes an astragalus supplement for pets:
http://www.landofholisticpets.co.uk/shop/herbalformulas/imuune-sytem-support-for-dogs-and-cats/astragalus-ligustrum-for-dogs-and-cats.html
Hi Ali,I'm just following up on our conversation about Feather. How is everything going?Lynn