Online survey to determine client perceptions of feline chronic lower airway disease management: response to therapy, side effects and challenges encountered

Abstract

Objectives The first aim of this survey was to report client experiences associated with the administration of common medications, particularly glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, in managing cats with feline lower airway disease (FLAD). The second aim was to ascertain client perception of response to treatment and level of satisfaction. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study. An online survey was distributed worldwide to cat owners caring for cats with a chronic cough. Only cats reported to have FLAD were included. Results A total of 153 complete responses describing cats with FLAD were analyzed. Glucocorticoids and bronchodilators were the predominantly prescribed therapeutics for 140/153 (92%) and 80/153 (52%) of FLAD cats, respectively. Oral and inhalant administration routes were reported most commonly: glucocorticoids (64% oral and 75% inhalant) and bronchodilators (21% oral and 88% inhalant). A review of how air quality could be improved was conducted for 54% of cats. Almost half (43%) of owners reported adverse effects secondary to glucocorticoid administration, the most frequent being polyphagia (26%) and polydipsia (21%). Only 10% of owners reported bronchodilator-associated side effects, with restlessness (9%) being the most common. Difficulties giving glucocorticoid or bronchodilator tablets orally were reported for 33% and 71% of owners, respectively. Glucocorticoid or bronchodilator inhalant therapies were difficult to administer for 28% and 31% of owners, respectively. Frequency and severity of coughing were significantly lower after at least 2 months of treatment, with median numerical input on a slider scale (0–100) of 48 and 42 before, and 10 and 7 after treatment, respectively ( P <0.0001). Median numerical input of owner satisfaction was 83%. Conclusions and relevance Despite significant improvements in client-reported responses to treatment, challenges associated with the administration of medications and their adverse effects still exist. Promoting awareness of client experiences can facilitate appropriate follow-up, guidance and empathy to further optimize outcomes.

The influence of sustainability knowledge and attitude on sustainable intention and behaviour of Malaysian and Indonesian undergraduate students

“…Following the research ethics, respondents were provided with all the study information, including the study purposes and the use of the study for academic purposes only on the first page of the survey (Brown et al, 2022). Student participation was on a voluntary basis with information on the confidentiality of their participation and an option to withdraw from the survey any time before they submitted it (Paulin et al, 2022). No monetary rewards were provided for the respondents (Sousa et al, 2022).…”

Impact of Obesity on Lung Function in Cats with Bronchoconstriction

“…bronchitis, etc. In cats, the most important clinical signs associated to all these diseases are related to bronchoconstriction (BC) and include cough, dyspnea, and tachypnea [10,11]. Barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP) is a noninvasive lung function test that allows to demonstrate a BC status in cats.…”

Evaluation of long-term therapy in cats with feline asthma and chronic bronchitis

“…Several retrospective studies have shown beneficial aspects of different medications on clinical signs in FLAD [1,6,8,18]. So far, however, variations in response to treatment have not been evaluated for both conditions separately [19], and research evaluating efficacy of drugs mainly focused on cats with experimentally induced asthma [20][21][22][23].…”

“…As lifelong treatment is necessary in most cases, owner communication and satisfaction are important factors 9 19 . About one third of patients with FBD in the present study showed persistent clinical signs despite appropriate treatment, which is comparable to the data reported in another publication 46 .…”