Most likely, the first thing your veterinarian will do is ask you questions about when the breathing issues started, the symptoms you witnessed and what preceded the respiratory distress. If your cat is having serious difficulties breathing, your veterinarian will administer oxygen before testing begins. Your veterinarian may perform some or all of the following tests:
Physical Examination: Your cat’s general health will be determined by taking vital signs and examining its ears, eyes, nose and gums. Your cat’s lungs and chest will be listened to with a stethoscope to determine if there is fluid in the lungs or an abnormal heartbeat or murmur. The veterinarian may palpate the abdominal area also.
Blood Tests: Blood may be drawn to test the oxygen and carbon dioxide level in your cat’s blood and to check for heartworm disease. Other blood tests will show inflammation and or infections present.
Urine Sample: A urine test will aid in diagnosing the cause of the dyspnea.
X-rays and Ultrasound: These diagnostic tests help the veterinarian to virtually see inside your cat’s body to check for tumors, obstructions or fluid buildup.
Fluid aspiration: A sample of fluid within the lower airways may be drawn for evaluation and testing. This is called a Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL).
ECG: An ECG (electrocardiogram) test may be required if your veterinarian suspects a heart problem.
Rhinoscopy or Bronchoscopy: If the breathing problem is caused by a blocked nasal cavity or airway, this test will help determine the next step in treatment, and it may aid in collecting tissue samples for testing.
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Page 2
Most likely, the first thing your veterinarian will do is ask you questions about when the breathing issues started, the symptoms you witnessed and what preceded the respiratory distress. If your cat is having serious difficulties breathing, your veterinarian will administer oxygen before testing begins. Your veterinarian may perform some or all of the following tests:
Physical Examination: Your cat’s general health will be determined by taking vital signs and examining its ears, eyes, nose and gums. Your cat’s lungs and chest will be listened to with a stethoscope to determine if there is fluid in the lungs or an abnormal heartbeat or murmur. The veterinarian may palpate the abdominal area also.
Blood Tests: Blood may be drawn to test the oxygen and carbon dioxide level in your cat’s blood and to check for heartworm disease. Other blood tests will show inflammation and or infections present.
Urine Sample: A urine test will aid in diagnosing the cause of the dyspnea.
X-rays and Ultrasound: These diagnostic tests help the veterinarian to virtually see inside your cat’s body to check for tumors, obstructions or fluid buildup.
Fluid aspiration: A sample of fluid within the lower airways may be drawn for evaluation and testing. This is called a Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL).
ECG: An ECG (electrocardiogram) test may be required if your veterinarian suspects a heart problem.
Rhinoscopy or Bronchoscopy: If the breathing problem is caused by a blocked nasal cavity or airway, this test will help determine the next step in treatment, and it may aid in collecting tissue samples for testing.
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Page 3
Most likely, the first thing your veterinarian will do is ask you questions about when the breathing issues started, the symptoms you witnessed and what preceded the respiratory distress. If your cat is having serious difficulties breathing, your veterinarian will administer oxygen before testing begins. Your veterinarian may perform some or all of the following tests:
Physical Examination: Your cat’s general health will be determined by taking vital signs and examining its ears, eyes, nose and gums. Your cat’s lungs and chest will be listened to with a stethoscope to determine if there is fluid in the lungs or an abnormal heartbeat or murmur. The veterinarian may palpate the abdominal area also.
Blood Tests: Blood may be drawn to test the oxygen and carbon dioxide level in your cat’s blood and to check for heartworm disease. Other blood tests will show inflammation and or infections present.
Urine Sample: A urine test will aid in diagnosing the cause of the dyspnea.
X-rays and Ultrasound: These diagnostic tests help the veterinarian to virtually see inside your cat’s body to check for tumors, obstructions or fluid buildup.
Fluid aspiration: A sample of fluid within the lower airways may be drawn for evaluation and testing. This is called a Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL).
ECG: An ECG (electrocardiogram) test may be required if your veterinarian suspects a heart problem.
Rhinoscopy or Bronchoscopy: If the breathing problem is caused by a blocked nasal cavity or airway, this test will help determine the next step in treatment, and it may aid in collecting tissue samples for testing.
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Page 4
Most likely, the first thing your veterinarian will do is ask you questions about when the breathing issues started, the symptoms you witnessed and what preceded the respiratory distress. If your cat is having serious difficulties breathing, your veterinarian will administer oxygen before testing begins. Your veterinarian may perform some or all of the following tests:
Physical Examination: Your cat’s general health will be determined by taking vital signs and examining its ears, eyes, nose and gums. Your cat’s lungs and chest will be listened to with a stethoscope to determine if there is fluid in the lungs or an abnormal heartbeat or murmur. The veterinarian may palpate the abdominal area also.
Blood Tests: Blood may be drawn to test the oxygen and carbon dioxide level in your cat’s blood and to check for heartworm disease. Other blood tests will show inflammation and or infections present.
Urine Sample: A urine test will aid in diagnosing the cause of the dyspnea.
X-rays and Ultrasound: These diagnostic tests help the veterinarian to virtually see inside your cat’s body to check for tumors, obstructions or fluid buildup.
Fluid aspiration: A sample of fluid within the lower airways may be drawn for evaluation and testing. This is called a Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL).
ECG: An ECG (electrocardiogram) test may be required if your veterinarian suspects a heart problem.
Rhinoscopy or Bronchoscopy: If the breathing problem is caused by a blocked nasal cavity or airway, this test will help determine the next step in treatment, and it may aid in collecting tissue samples for testing.
Top
Page 5
Most likely, the first thing your veterinarian will do is ask you questions about when the breathing issues started, the symptoms you witnessed and what preceded the respiratory distress. If your cat is having serious difficulties breathing, your veterinarian will administer oxygen before testing begins. Your veterinarian may perform some or all of the following tests:
Physical Examination: Your cat’s general health will be determined by taking vital signs and examining its ears, eyes, nose and gums. Your cat’s lungs and chest will be listened to with a stethoscope to determine if there is fluid in the lungs or an abnormal heartbeat or murmur. The veterinarian may palpate the abdominal area also.
Blood Tests: Blood may be drawn to test the oxygen and carbon dioxide level in your cat’s blood and to check for heartworm disease. Other blood tests will show inflammation and or infections present.
Urine Sample: A urine test will aid in diagnosing the cause of the dyspnea.
X-rays and Ultrasound: These diagnostic tests help the veterinarian to virtually see inside your cat’s body to check for tumors, obstructions or fluid buildup.
Fluid aspiration: A sample of fluid within the lower airways may be drawn for evaluation and testing. This is called a Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL).
ECG: An ECG (electrocardiogram) test may be required if your veterinarian suspects a heart problem.
Rhinoscopy or Bronchoscopy: If the breathing problem is caused by a blocked nasal cavity or airway, this test will help determine the next step in treatment, and it may aid in collecting tissue samples for testing.
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Page 6
Most likely, the first thing your veterinarian will do is ask you questions about when the breathing issues started, the symptoms you witnessed and what preceded the respiratory distress. If your cat is having serious difficulties breathing, your veterinarian will administer oxygen before testing begins. Your veterinarian may perform some or all of the following tests:
Physical Examination: Your cat’s general health will be determined by taking vital signs and examining its ears, eyes, nose and gums. Your cat’s lungs and chest will be listened to with a stethoscope to determine if there is fluid in the lungs or an abnormal heartbeat or murmur. The veterinarian may palpate the abdominal area also.
Blood Tests: Blood may be drawn to test the oxygen and carbon dioxide level in your cat’s blood and to check for heartworm disease. Other blood tests will show inflammation and or infections present.
Urine Sample: A urine test will aid in diagnosing the cause of the dyspnea.
X-rays and Ultrasound: These diagnostic tests help the veterinarian to virtually see inside your cat’s body to check for tumors, obstructions or fluid buildup.
Fluid aspiration: A sample of fluid within the lower airways may be drawn for evaluation and testing. This is called a Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL).
ECG: An ECG (electrocardiogram) test may be required if your veterinarian suspects a heart problem.
Rhinoscopy or Bronchoscopy: If the breathing problem is caused by a blocked nasal cavity or airway, this test will help determine the next step in treatment, and it may aid in collecting tissue samples for testing.
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Page 7
Most likely, the first thing your veterinarian will do is ask you questions about when the breathing issues started, the symptoms you witnessed and what preceded the respiratory distress. If your cat is having serious difficulties breathing, your veterinarian will administer oxygen before testing begins. Your veterinarian may perform some or all of the following tests:
Physical Examination: Your cat’s general health will be determined by taking vital signs and examining its ears, eyes, nose and gums. Your cat’s lungs and chest will be listened to with a stethoscope to determine if there is fluid in the lungs or an abnormal heartbeat or murmur. The veterinarian may palpate the abdominal area also.
Blood Tests: Blood may be drawn to test the oxygen and carbon dioxide level in your cat’s blood and to check for heartworm disease. Other blood tests will show inflammation and or infections present.
Urine Sample: A urine test will aid in diagnosing the cause of the dyspnea.
X-rays and Ultrasound: These diagnostic tests help the veterinarian to virtually see inside your cat’s body to check for tumors, obstructions or fluid buildup.
Fluid aspiration: A sample of fluid within the lower airways may be drawn for evaluation and testing. This is called a Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL).
ECG: An ECG (electrocardiogram) test may be required if your veterinarian suspects a heart problem.
Rhinoscopy or Bronchoscopy: If the breathing problem is caused by a blocked nasal cavity or airway, this test will help determine the next step in treatment, and it may aid in collecting tissue samples for testing.
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