Coughing ALL the time... do we need to see the vet?

Don Juan seems to be coughing hairballs constantly, but nothing comes up. He's not as playful as he used to be, but that may be because he's a four-year-old adult, not the 18-month-old I adopted. Otherwise, he seems fine.

I brush him nearly every day (which he LOVES:) ) and feed him Iams Hairball Care dry food. I occasionally give him over-the-counter hairball medication (which he hates, probably because it's goopy).

I know I should rush him off to the vet without question, but I am only intermittently employed and need to watch my pennies. Any suggestions? :confused:

Liz

How long has he been doing this? Does he have any other symptons like runny eyes or nose?
If you are concerned about him, then maybe you should make an appointment with your vet.

His eyes are a bit runny, but his nose is just a little damp as usual. And his appetite certainly hasn't been affected! ;)

Liz

Liz, I don''t want to worry or panic you but I would make an appointment for the vet. My RB Tony started coughing (like he had hairballs) except it was too late for me...he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy (a heart condition). The only way I knew that he was sick was his constant coughing and he started slowing down.

Now I'm not saying that this is what he has, so if you do some internet searching for information on cardiomyopathy, you should be able to get a little more information and more signs and symptoms to look out for.

Keep us posted, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that Don Juan is OK. --- Meg

I agree, it can't hurt to go for a check up. Coughing is also a symptom of chylothorax. Bassett never coughed, but it is a VERY common symptom.

The thought at first that Bassett had cardiomyopothy, which was causing her chylothorax.

Let us know how it goes!

At the very least you should call your vet and discuss the symptoms with him/her ... but.... if has gotten to the point where you are concerned for your cat's health (which it appears you are) then it is probably time to make an appt.

Don Juan and I will see Dr. J tomorrow morning. Here's hoping.

Liz

Did Don Juan see the vet today and if so, how is he doing?

Yes, Vet check is what I would have done before it developes into something more serious.

STella

Let's see.... temperature normal, heart and lungs sound good. Dr. J took an X-ray; says there are a couple of things that he may want to keep an eye on, but at the moment a regular dose of hairball medicine should suffice.

Interesting seeing a picture of Don Juan's insides. His spine looks like a bungee cord! :p

Liz

I just posted in Cat General about giving my Mimi liquid antibiotics for a mild cough she has had this week. :eek: Seems that her cough is related to allergies more than anything, and she's just coughing a little, but since she's so old, I wanted to make sure she was ok.

Hope your Don Juan will be fine. Good thing to get it checked out, though!! I know you were relieved. :)

Thank you for the update on Don Juan. Sounds like he is basically doing ok. I hope that what the vet saw in the x-rays is nothing serious.
Headbumpies and scritchies to you sweety and stay healthy.:)

Phew this is good news :)