Pleural effusion can affect cats of any age.
Pleural effusion is a condition that results from a large amount of fluid collecting outside lungs, in the pleural space between the lungs and the thoracic wall. In cats, a number of underlying diseases can cause this condition, each of which must be treated to prevent the effusion from worsening. In some non-severe cases, natural herbs and extracts can help manage or eliminate this condition.
Identification
Both the outer surface of the lungs and the inner surface of the chest cavity are lined with a tissue called the pleura. Normally there is a small amount of fluid present in the pleural space between the two surfaces, to reduce friction when the lungs expand and contract when breathing. Diseases including feline infectious peritonitis, chylothorax, lymphoma, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, infection, heart failure, cancer and pancreatitis can cause abnormal increase in the amount of fluid in the pleural space. This fluid prevents the lungs from expanding properly, impairing a cat's breathing and leading to lung collapse in severe cases.
Treatments
If a cat is experiencing symptoms of pleural effusion, including open-mouth breathing, coughing, lethargy, a bluish tint to the skin and an increase in the rate of breathing, the care of a veterinarian is necessary. To properly diagnose the condition, the doctor takes X-rays and performs an ultrasound of the chest cavity. He may also take a sample of the pleural fluid by piercing the chest cavity with a needle to biopsy it and to determine the underlying illness causing the pleural effusion. In severe cases, fluid can be withdrawn from the pleural space with a syringe to relieve the pressure on the lungs, and oxygen therapy given.
Herbs and Extracts
Depending on the underlying condition of a cat's pleural effusion, certain natural herbs and extracts may help manage pleural effusion. A study published in the January 2004 issue of The Canadian Veterinary Journal showed that the majority of cats suffering from chylothorax and treated with the plant fruit extract of rutin showed improvement in pleural effusion, with some resolving the condition completely after continued treatment. Dandelion leaves have diuretic properties and can help alleviate the excess fluid in pleural effusion in certain cases, according to the Holisticat website. Before administering any herbs or extracts to your cat, consult with your veterinarian to ensure the substances are appropriate for your cat's circumstance.
Warnings
Cats with acute pleural effusion that are having trouble breathing require the emergency care of a veterinarian. Do not attempt to treat a cat at this stage with an herbal remedy; the fluid must be immediately removed from around your cat's lungs to prevent a collapse of the lungs themselves. After initial emergency therapy, your vet will determine and arrange to treat the cause of the pleural effusion. In the case of feline infectious peritonitis, for which there is no cure, certain herbs, including Arsenicum album, Mercurius sulfuricus and Apis mellifica, can help ease the symptoms of pleural effusion, according to Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats.
Tags: pleural effusion, pleural space, amount fluid, chest cavity, herbs extracts, care veterinarian