Bacterial Pneumonia in Cats
Key takeaways
Bacterial pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused by bacterial infection.
- Pneumonia in cats is most commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals where the respiratory tracts are weakened by viral infections, other disorders, or certain drugs.
- Common clinical signs of pneumonia include a deep cough, difficulty breathing, fever, lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- The diagnostic process consists of a complete physical examination, cytology of airway fluids, diagnostic imaging, and bloodwork
- Treatment varies according to the severity and the type of pathogenic agent
- Usually, antibiotics are prescribed. More severe cases might need IV fluid therapy and oxygen support
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A closer look: Bacterial Pneumonia in Cats
The severity of pneumonia varies according to the symptoms present. Coughing warrants veterinary attention, but when no other symptoms are present it does not usually indicate an emergency and the prognosis is often positive.
The presence of additional symptoms along with respiratory signs often indicates higher severity of the infection.
If other symptoms are present, such as severe lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapse, anorexia, and rapid respiratory rate it indicates an emergency.
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Risk factors
Bacterial pneumonia is uncommon in healthy cats. Usually, it presents as a secondary condition in already immunocompromised cats.
In addition, medical circumstances may increase the risk of pneumonia, including
- Use of immunosuppressant drugs in treatment for other conditions
- Surgery
- Injury
- Damage to the respiratory tract due to smoke inhalation, chemical inhalation, or drowning
Most forms of pneumonia show no predisposition for age, sex, or breed. Unvaccinated outdoor cats are at the highest risk of infections.
Main symptoms
In cats, respiratory symptoms are less common than in dogs.
Testing and diagnosis
The diagnostic process involves:
- A complete physical examination
- Medical history
- Cytology of fluid from the lungs (requires anesthesia)
- Chest X-rays and/or ultrasound
- Bloodwork
Steps to Recovery
Treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and on the specific pathogenic agent. It might include:
- Antibiotics
- Specific medications such as bronchodilators to improve breathing
- IV fluid therapy
- Oxygen support
Following treatment, cats might need ongoing check-ups and diagnostic imaging to check for recurrence and verify a positive response to treatment.
The prognosis depends on the severity of the infection, the type of infectious agent involved, and the presence of underlying medical disorders. Overall with a positive response to treatment, the prognosis with aggressive therapy is good.
Prevention
Prevention mainly consists of keeping cats up to date on vaccinations, especially those that protect against respiratory infections (including viral infections, as these can predispose to secondary bacterial pneumonia).
Immunocompromised cats are to avoid contact with unvaccinated cats to prevent transmission of viral infections that predispose to bacterial infection.
Is Bacterial Pneumonia in Cats common?
Bacterial pneumonia is relatively rare in healthy cats. Bacterial pneumonia usually appears as a secondary condition in already immunocompromised cats.
Typical Treatment
- Antibiotics
- Bronchodilators
- IV fluid therapy
- Oxygen support
