The post Cat Laryngitis: Our Vet Explains Causes, Signs, and Treatment by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying the entire article violates copyright laws. You may not know it, but all of these articles are assigned, contracted and paid for, so they are not considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and will like it if you continue to share only the first paragraph of an article, then link to the rest on Catster.com.
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Overview of Laryngitis in Cats
Signs to Watch for
Possible Causes
Care Tips
FAQ
Has your cat started to meow strangely? Maybe it’s deeper or really shaky, but there’s no doubt about it: something isn’t right. Let’s review feline laryngitis, including some of the potential causes and treatment options.
What is Laryngitis in Cats?
Laryngitis is inflammation of your cat’s larynx, a structure also commonly referred to as the voice box. Viral infections can cause the condition. Some cats have no changes other than a change in the volume or tone of their voice. Other cats may show signs of a respiratory infection, such as sneezing, watery eyes, or even trouble breathing.
What are the signs of laryngitis in cats?
You can usually tell that something is wrong by a change in your cat’s voice.
- Open mouth breathing
- More noise than usual when breathing
- panting
- Coughing
- Breathing
- Sneezing or runny nose
- Trouble swallowing
- bad breath
- Their mouths were open
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Lack of appetite
What are the causes of laryngitis in cats?
Laryngitis can be caused by a variety of things, including infections. Viral and bacterial respiratory diseases can easily affect the larynx. If your cat has this type of infection, it may have watery eyes or sneezing or coughing. A severe case of oral cellulitis may, in theory, extend to the larynx.
Inhaled irritants are sometimes associated with laryngitis. This can include pollen, dust, and even cigarette smoke.
Obstructions can also affect the larynx. Although less commonly seen in cats than dogs, foreign bodies can become lodged within the oronasal cavities. Tumors in the throat can also cause issues here. In some cats, thyroid gland tumors can lead to hyperthyroidism and even enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Trauma to the throat can contribute to laryngitis. As hard as it is to imagine, some cats do choke. A collar that is too tight can also irritate the larynx. Some cats develop facial nerve paralysis. This relatively uncommon condition in cats can contribute to laryngitis.
Diagnosing Laryngitis in Your Cat
If your cat is making abnormal noises, it’s worth contacting your vet. They want to start with a complete physical exam. The vet will listen to your cat’s chest and may even auscultate the cat’s throat with a stethoscope. The vet will gently look inside your cat’s mouth and palpate his throat for changes in size, sore spots, and more.
If your cat appears to have a respiratory infection, the vet can swab the throat for a PCR panel to identify the infectious agent contributing to the infection.
Blood work is very helpful. A high white blood cell count may indicate an infection. A thyroid level helps your veterinary team assess your cat’s thyroid function in case your cat is hyperthyroid.
Your veterinarian may use different forms of imaging. Radiographs (X-rays) help check for structural changes. Ultrasound may be used to look for fluid pockets. A long, flexible camera called an endoscope may be used to image the area inside.
How Do I Care for a Cat With Laryngitis?
Treatment for cats with laryngitis varies. If there is evidence of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are often used to treat the disease. An example is Clavamox, a potentiated version of amoxicillin.
Anti-inflammatory medications may be needed. The two main non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs we use in cats are Onsior (robenacoxib) and Metacam (meloxicam). Instead of an NSAID, your vet may suggest prednisolone, a steroid.
Beyond pharmaceutical options, some cats require supportive care. If your cat is not panicked, steam the bathroom with a hot shower and then bring your cat into the room. Warm air can moisten the airways and loosen secretions.
If your cat has eye or nasal discharge, gently wipe the drainage with a clean, damp cloth. If this discharge sits there, especially in a long-haired cat, it can irritate the skin. Your veterinarian may suggest changing your cat’s diet. A softer food may be easier for your cat to swallow and more appealing to a cat with a stuffy nose. Canned foods are all you need, but some dry foods can be softened with warm water. Just make sure the water is not too hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laryngitis contagious in cats?
Laryngitis is usually not contagious, but the underlying cause, such as a virus or bacterial infection, can sometimes be contagious. Talk to your vet to see if you will need to isolate your sick kitten.
Is laryngitis permanent in cats?
Most cats will recover from their laryngitis, but if it is significant enough, the cat can permanently damage their larynx. Nerve damage or inflammation can be permanent.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped answer any questions you may have about what to do if you notice a change in your cat’s meowing, tenderness, or swelling when you touch its throat or lethargy. The safest thing is to have your cat checked by a veterinarian. These changes may indicate laryngitis and require treatment.
Featured Image Credit: Cat Box, Shutterstock
The post Cat Laryngitis: Our Vet Explains Causes, Signs, and Treatment by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying the entire article violates copyright laws. You may not know it, but all of these articles are commissioned, contracted and paid for, so they are not considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and will like it if you continue to share only the first paragraph of an article, then link to the rest on Catster.com.
