Feline asthma has been recognized in the veterinary literature since at least 1911, when J.W.Hill described cats with increased airway mucus, airway inflammation and the clinical signs of labored breathing and wheezing. Dr Hill's observations form thebasis for the criteria we use today to make the diagnosis of asthma in cats: DIAGNOSIS OF ASTHMA: 1. A history of an acute onset of labored breathing. This is usually quickly relieved with some combination of oxygen, bronchodilators and steroids. In some cases however, the only clinical problem is chronic cough. 2. Radiographic evidence of bronchial wall thickening and air trapping. These changes are usually described as “doughnuts” and “tramlines.” 3. Clinicopathologic evidence of airway inflammation including airway eosinophilia.
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