My senior cat has lung failure. Is there a liquid bronchodilator?

I think the diagnosis is probably feline asthma. I don't know if it is available in your country but we do inhaled steroids/bronchodilators using a special cat mask called Aerokat. Seems to work better than the systemic treatment. The antibiotic treatment is probably not necessary (kesium). ( https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/caring-cat-asthma ) ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yyIsWjvt2I ) Maybe see if there is a way your vet can get you an AeroKat inhaler.

In cats, URI are typically caused by a virus, not bacteria, so antibiotics will have no effect. That is likely why the vet did not prescribe Sweetie any antibiotics. They wouldn't work and using antibiotics when it's not called for results in decreased sensitivity to antibiotics and possible resistance. Albuterol relaxes the smooth muscle in the airways and provides relief from obstructive airway diseases, such as asthma. Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs called bronchodilators. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid, and it's used to help with inflammation. I hope this helps!

Cats can sometimes cough after being given a med, especially if giving it is stressful for them or if it's irritating their throat. If Sweetie is more comfortable taking the same amount via dropper, and it less stressful for her, you can administer the meds that way. It is likely the syringe was suggested so she doesn't have to taste the medication (it can be bitter) since the syringe will place it further back in the throat, and so it is faster to give.

I'm sorry to hear that Mittens has not been doing well. I agree that Mittens' chest x-rays appear to be progressing over the past 2 weeks. At this point, either pneumonia is less likely or the bacteria causing a possible pneumonia are resistant to her current antibiotic therapy. Cancer is absolutely a suspicion due to the x-ray progression. Consider asking your vets if they have considered performing either endotracheal or transtracheal washes on Mittens, which would be able to obtain a sample of fluid or cells in the lungs. These samples could be analyzed for cytology (which may be able to diagnose cancer) or culture (to determine if bacteria is present and an appropriate antibiotic). There is a chance that Mittens may not be stable enough to undergo sedation for this procedure, but your vets will be able to examine her to determine if the risks are worth the benefits. I hope that all goes well!

Hydroxyzine does have bronchodilating effects. You can discuss other bronchodilators such as terbutaline, theophylline or even inhaled bronchodilators. Chest xrays can be done to check for fluid. You can also consider advanced diagnostics such as a trans tracheal wash. This procedure can collect samples for culture and pathology to diagnose infection or an inflammatory process such as asthma or bronchitis. A sensitivity panel can be done to determine the best antibiotic to use if infection is diagnosed.

I would try to pill Lio with the prednisone. When medications are ground up, it's hard to know if he actually ingested the entire dose, not to mention that prednisone can be pretty bitter. I also responded to your question about Lio's x-rays. Since your vet prescribed prednisone, my guess is that they're most concerned about asthma or other inflammatory issues within the lungs. Albuterol is a bronchodilator, which is used to dilate the airways, making it easier to breathe if constriction of the airways is present. I would assume that your vet prescribed this for your other cat's coughing spells (that's typically how I prescribe it), but definitely confirm with your vet in case they have another use in mind.

The most common cause of fluid in the lungs of older cats is cancer. Certainly other problems can cause it as well, but many of those problems would be ruled out with normal lab work. You can consider having the fluid drained as much as possible, and sometimes starting a diuretic such as lasix can decrease its formation, but neither of trise solve the problem. However, if you get fluid you may be able To get a diagnosis from the fluid. However, I do worry that it is likely a very guarded prognosis regardless of the cause. I’m so sorry Nibbs is so sick. Take care and thank you for using Pet Coach.