The Feline Health Center  Minimize the Risk  The prognosis for
many feline lung diseases depends on the nature of the specific
condition, the extent of its progression and the treatments that
are available for it. On the bright side, Dr. Richard Goldstein
points out that most cases of respiratory distress are caused by
either asthma or pleural effusion, and the success rate of
emergency treatment for those two ailments is "pretty good."
"Both of these lung conditions generally respond well to
therapy," he says, "depending on the underlying cause for the
pleural effusion. A typical stay at the veterinary clinic will
last between 24 and 48 hours. After that, chronic therapy must
be initiated to lessen the chances that another attack will
occur in the future."  Dr. Goldstein urges cat owners to have
their animals undergo a medical checkup at least once yearly
that includes a thorough exam of its entire respiratory system.
Fecal examinations should also be done periodically, and cats
should be dewormed as needed