Respiratory Problems in 13yo cat

[ColdNight44]

I have a 13 year old mixed breed cat who has recently developed severe respiratory problems.   Her breathing is very labored and she produces noticeable wheezing and effort on exhaling, with her abdomen visibly moving in and out.  This started about 2 weeks ago and has gradually gotten worse.  A few weeks before this she also started scratching her ears frequently and it sounded as if she had a soar throat when she meowed (now no sound comes out).  Our vet first suggested that she had a heart problem, but an ultrasound revealed that her heart is fine.  They then said she had polyps, but when they operated on her they did not find any.  They tried giving her a weak steroid for asthma but it does not seem to be having much, if any effect.

At this point we’re just trying to get an answer and we’re really starting to lose faith in our vet—they actually suggested we put her down last week when they insisted that she had a heart problem, before we even did the ultrasound.  Now they seem to have the attitude that since she’s 13 and “has had a good life”, we shouldn’t put more effort into figuring this out.  

My mother suggested that her problem could be related to a mold allergy, since it started soon after our basement was severely flooded (this is the cat’s favorite place to sleep even now).  The vets brushed this idea off because they said mold allergies are not an issue in our climate (we live in Central Massachusetts).

I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions anyone might have on this—mold, allergy, asthma, or anything else!

Thanks so much!

[alongoodboy]

My cat has died yesterday morning :(  it was a quick death.
The day before I decided I must take him to the vet to take xrays and see if we can do anything to help him.Because he suddenly had a quick astma attack.
My cat was a street cat before I had taken him in 3 years ago and as I predicted the drive and going to the vet stressed the hell out of him.He almost died there if we hadn't put him in an oxygen chamber.
when he was calmer the vet took xrays of his chest and didn't find anything in particular. He thought he might have a heart condition and asthma.The blood tests were also fine.
I took him home after he received some more shots and a fluid transfusion. He relaxed more at home and drank allot and tried to sleep but he seemed uncomfortable.
The next morning I woke up and he was still in his bed awake and had the usual difficult breathing noise while exhaling.
I went to the bathroom and suddenly he ran after me to his sand box , all wobbly and distressed got in , got out, sat on the floor with his tounge out and just collapsed all in a matter of seconds, he died on the spot. It was very sad and traumatic but I have some comfort that it happened fast and at his home.I hope he didnt suffer too much and that he is now in cat heaven. I love him and miss him so much.
I never had a cat until destiny caused us to cross paths.
He gave me so much love.
there were times he would sit on me and try to pat my face,He was full of love and had a huge heart which at the end probably failed him.
I will allways love you hatooli...see you in heaven

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8Xp5587pF4

[alongoodboy]

Have you found out a solution to her problem? My old cat also has the same symptoms lately.
He started meowing in a high pitched voice and now no voice comes out at all..only air.for about two months allready.
and in the last couple of days he seems to have a hard time breathing and eating as though something is stuck in his throat.
When he gets a bit excited from my hugs he starts to have these purring attacks , he exhales and purrs very wierd for 2 minutes or so until he relaxes.
He also had ear problems with mites and scratches them alot.
The doctor said it might be connected, because the ears and throut are connected and the mites might have caused an inflametery reaction there.
We are trying to give him antibiotics and might try a steroid shot.

Please tell us if you find out what the problem is.......

[Dean Vicksman, D.V.M.]

ColdNight44,
Labored breathing can be very scary in a cat..  I believe its always best to try to resolve problems through you primary care veterinarian. I have a couple of questions.  Have they run blood tests including checking for the viral diseases like Feline immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus?  Have they taken plain xrays and what are the results? Based on what you are telling us it appears as though they have gone as far as they feel comfortable going. All of the things you have listed are possibilities. As stated mold allergies are uncommon in cats.  Heart problems, Feline Allergic Bronchitis (Feline Asthma), and fluid around the lungs are all possibilities.  Cardiac ultrasounds of cats hearts can be very tricky to read.  Although not totally necessary I would like to know if the ultrasound was performed and read by a Board Certified Radiologist.
Finally if you and your veterinarian feel that they have done all they can for your kitty, then its time to think about a 2nd opinion.  Their are many excellent referral institutions in Boston.  I personally practiced at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston and they have an excellent reputation as a referral institution.  I would recommend taking your kitty there or to any other specialty hospital in the area.
Let me know if this helps.
Keep me posted.
Dr Vicksman