🫁 Respiratory Disorders in Pets: Asthma & Pneumonia
Internal Medicine: Diagnosis & Treatment of Affected Systems & Common Diseases
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital – 319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
- Asthma and pneumonia are two of the most common respiratory disorders affecting pets, particularly cats and dogs.
- Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways—manageable with medication and lifestyle changes.
- Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lungs that can be mild or life-threatening.
- Diagnosis: Physical exams, X-rays, bloodwork, airway sampling, and sometimes bronchoscopy.
- Treatment: Inhalers, corticosteroids, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and environmental management.
- With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most pets make a full recovery.
ELI5 (Explain Like I’m 5)
Your pet breathes through tiny tubes called airways.
- Asthma makes these tubes squeeze tight, so air can’t move in and out easily—like breathing through a straw.
- Pneumonia fills those tubes and lung spaces with yucky fluid—like trying to breathe underwater.
Vets use X-rays, medicine, and sometimes oxygen to help your pet breathe better again.
Key Points (Bullet Summary)
- Asthma → Chronic airway inflammation, common in cats.
- Pneumonia → Lung infection, more common in dogs but affects all species.
- Common Causes: Allergens, infections, parasites, immune issues, aspiration, or environmental factors.
- Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, labored breathing, lethargy, fever, or nasal discharge.
- Diagnosis: Physical exam, imaging, bloodwork, airway sampling, and sometimes bronchoscopy.
- Treatment: Medications (steroids, antibiotics), oxygen, nebulization, and environmental control.
- Veterinary Expertise: Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, uses advanced diagnostics, imaging, and personalized treatment for respiratory cases.
Introduction
Healthy lungs are essential for life. When a pet struggles to breathe, owners often panic—and rightly so. Respiratory diseases like asthma and pneumonia are among the most serious conditions seen in small-animal medicine, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital (SOAH) in Tuckerton, NJ, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, has decades of experience diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions in dogs, cats, and other pets. Using advanced tools such as digital radiography, in-house lab testing, and oxygen therapy, Dr. Pascetta’s approach combines modern internal medicine with compassionate care.
SECTION 1: ASTHMA IN PETS
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways that causes reversible narrowing of the bronchi—the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs.
When exposed to irritants, these airways constrict and fill with mucus, making breathing difficult.
Which Pets Are Affected?
- Cats are far more prone to asthma than dogs.
- Middle-aged cats are most commonly affected.
- Certain breeds (e.g., Siamese) may have higher risk.
Common Symptoms
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Coughing (often mistaken for hairballs)
- Open-mouth breathing
- Rapid or shallow breathing
- Lethargy after activity
- Bluish gums (in severe attacks)
Causes & Triggers
- Environmental allergens (pollen, dust, smoke, perfumes)
- Chemical irritants (cleaners, aerosols, sprays)
- Stress
- Obesity (increases airway pressure)
- Genetic predisposition
Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis requires ruling out other conditions that cause similar respiratory signs.
Diagnostic steps include:
- Physical Exam: Listening for wheezes, crackles, or decreased lung sounds.
- Chest X-rays: Reveal lung hyperinflation and airway thickening.
- Bloodwork: May show elevated eosinophils, indicating an allergic response.
- Heartworm Testing: Especially in dogs, as heartworms can mimic asthma.
- Fecal Exam: Detects lung parasites.
- Airway Wash (Bronchoalveolar Lavage): Collects samples to rule out infection or parasites.
Treatment
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with consistent veterinary care.
Emergency Care
- Injectable corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation
- Oxygen therapy for severe breathing distress
- Nebulization with bronchodilators
Long-Term Management
- Corticosteroids: Oral or inhaled (fluticasone, prednisolone)
- Bronchodilators: Albuterol via inhaler for flare-ups
- Trigger Avoidance:
- Use unscented litter
- Avoid aerosols and cigarette smoke
- Vacuum frequently to reduce dust
- Weight Management: Reduces strain on lungs
Inhaled therapy, using spacers and pet-specific masks, has become the gold standard. It targets the lungs directly while minimizing side effects.
Prognosis
With regular management, cats with asthma can live long, healthy lives. However, untreated asthma can cause permanent lung scarring (fibrosis) and chronic oxygen deprivation.
SECTION 2: PNEUMONIA
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is inflammation or infection of the lung tissue that impairs the ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The alveoli (air sacs) fill with fluid, mucus, or pus.
Types of Pneumonia
- Bacterial: Most common; often secondary to viral infection or aspiration.
- Aspiration: Occurs when foreign material (food, vomit) enters the lungs.
- Viral: Caused by pathogens like canine distemper or feline calicivirus.
- Fungal: Rare but serious; e.g., Aspergillus or Blastomyces.
- Parasitic: Lungworms or migrating larvae (uncommon).
Common Symptoms
- Coughing (moist or productive)
- Fever
- Rapid breathing or labored breathing
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nasal discharge
- Crackling or popping lung sounds
Diagnosis
Dr. Pascetta’s diagnostic process includes:
- Physical Exam: Auscultation of lungs for abnormal sounds.
- Chest Radiographs: Show fluid buildup or lung consolidation.
- Bloodwork: Detects infection or inflammation (elevated white cells).
- Pulse Oximetry: Measures oxygen saturation.
- Tracheal Wash or Bronchoscopy: Identifies bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
- Urine Antigen Tests: For fungal infections.
Treatment
Outpatient vs. Hospitalization
- Mild cases → oral antibiotics, rest, and monitoring.
- Severe cases → hospitalization with IV fluids, oxygen, and round-the-clock care.
Medications
- Antibiotics: Chosen based on culture results; often 3–6 weeks of therapy.
- Antifungals: For fungal pneumonia (Itraconazole, Fluconazole).
- Bronchodilators: Open airways and improve breathing.
- Corticosteroids: Reduce lung inflammation when appropriate.
Supportive Care
- Oxygen therapy
- Nebulization and coupage: Moist air plus gentle chest tapping to loosen mucus
- Fluid therapy: Corrects dehydration
- Nutritional support: Ensures recovery energy needs
Prognosis
- Bacterial pneumonia: Excellent with early treatment.
- Aspiration pneumonia: Variable; requires addressing the underlying cause (e.g., vomiting, swallowing dysfunction).
- Fungal pneumonia: Guarded; treatment can last months.
- Viral pneumonia: Supportive care until secondary infections resolve.
Techniques of an Experienced Veterinarian
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, uses an integrative diagnostic and therapeutic approach to respiratory care:
- Digital Radiography: Clear visualization of lung fields and airway patterns.
- Ultrasound & Echocardiography: Differentiate lung vs. heart causes of cough.
- Airway Sampling: Cytology and culture for targeted treatment.
- Oxygen Therapy & Nebulization: On-site oxygen cages and respiratory support.
- In-House Lab Testing: CBC, biochemistry, heartworm, and fungal screening within hours.
- Personalized Care Plans: Tailored medication, environmental, and nutrition recommendations.
Example Case
Case: Bella the Siamese Cat
Bella came in wheezing and open-mouth breathing after exposure to incense smoke. Dr. Pascetta performed chest X-rays showing signs of feline asthma. She was treated with oxygen, corticosteroids, and transitioned to an inhaler regimen. Her environment was modified—dust-free litter, air purifier, and no scented candles. Bella now lives comfortably, with only occasional mild flare-ups.
Timeline
- Day 1: Initial exam, X-rays, oxygen support, and testing.
- Days 2–5: Medication stabilization and response monitoring.
- Weeks 2–4: Follow-up visit; X-ray recheck for pneumonia or symptom review for asthma.
- Months 3–6: Long-term management plan (diet, inhaler use, environmental control).
- Ongoing: Annual or biannual checkups, especially before allergy season.
What-If Scenarios
- What if asthma is untreated? → Chronic scarring, lung collapse, or fatal attack.
- What if pneumonia is untreated? → Lung abscesses, sepsis, or death.
- What if a pet resists inhalers or medication? → Alternate oral or injectable routes can be used.
- What if respiratory symptoms reappear? → Re-evaluation to rule out cardiac, parasitic, or neoplastic causes.
Most Common Respiratory Issues in Dogs & Cats
- Dogs: Bacterial pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, collapsing trachea, bronchitis.
- Cats: Feline asthma, viral respiratory infections, fungal pneumonia.
- Other Pets: Rabbits, ferrets, and birds can develop similar infections requiring species-specific care.
Generational Relevance
- Boomers & Gen X: Prioritize long-term respiratory care for aging pets.
- Millennials: Value indoor air quality, allergen-free homes, and pet-safe cleaners.
- Gen Z: Expect digital tools—telemedicine follow-ups, refill reminders, and real-time communication for chronic conditions.
Service Area
📍 Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Serving pet owners across:
- Ocean County: Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor, Manahawkin, Barnegat, Stafford, Waretown, Forked River, Bayville, Toms River.
- Long Beach Island: Beach Haven, Surf City, Ship Bottom, Long Beach Township, Eagleswood.
- Atlantic County: Galloway, Absecon, Brigantine, Atlantic City.
- Burlington County: New Gretna, Bass River.
Many pet owners travel 30–60+ minutes because of the hospital’s reputation as a leader in respiratory and internal medicine at the Jersey Shore.
Schedule Your Pets Appointment
If your pet is coughing, wheezing, or struggling to breathe, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Respiratory problems can worsen rapidly—and early diagnosis makes all the difference.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, and his experienced team provide comprehensive diagnostics, compassionate care, and long-term management for pets with asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions.
📞 Call today to schedule an appointment—because every breath matters.