I personally would never make that final, irreversible decision based on a single vet's diagnosis ... esp. with a cat as young as yours. I would want a second opinion, preferably from a veterinary pulmonologist (assuming there is such a specialty). Is there any way you can get your girl to a university veterinary clinic for evaluation? That's where you'll find the specialists and specialized diagnostic equipment that can accurately diagnose most diseases and provide the most current treatment options. I would imagine that there are other diseases and conditions that mimic asthma, so it's possible that your girl's current treatments haven't been working because she may have something other than asthma ... or perhaps even in addition to it.

If she were my girl, I'd try to get her to a university clinic, if possible, and then make a decision based on their findings.

Laurie

Totally agree with laurief. I would find a specialist or make the trip to a university clinic. She may have something that's easily treatable if it's diagnosed correctly. It could be any number of things........even fluid on the lungs can cause the symptoms you're seeing.

Before the asthma got so bad to become an emergency NIna had a series of respiratory infections all that were treated successfully with antibiotics. At first the vet and I thought it was a herpes virus in the lungs, tried lysine with no better effect, She then had the bad asthma attack and we took her to a different ER vet who preformed X-rays which revealed doughnuts and severe inflammation of her aveoli. Additionally, she responded to albuterol and inject able steroids along with the O2 chamber at the vet, which pretty much confirmed that diagnoses. Everything else on the X Ray was beautiful, heart liver she is in perfect health besides that. We started with oral prednilisone (sp?) and she instantly contracted a URI which was again successfully treated with antibiotics the vet and I guessed it was due to poor immune response because of the steroids. It has been remarkably worse since the ER visit she coughed like this before but not as much at all since. I am lucky to live in Colorado close the Colorado University that has a wonderful veterinary program I will give them a call!

Our asthma kitty was on injected steroids for years, until they caused diabetes. She is now on Aminophylline, a 1/4 tab twice daily when she has symptoms. It works really well for her and if you have not tried it before, maybe it will work for your Nina. Good luck and best wishes!!