Sneezing is a reflex of the upper airways, activated to explosively discharge irritating material from the nasal cavity. It is usually caused by the irritation of sensitive nerve endings in the mucous membrane that lines the nose. Nasal discharge is another sign of nasal disease or irritation.
Although normal cats may occasionally sneeze or have nasal discharge (similar to human beings), severe, chronic or recurrent bouts of sneezing or nasal discharge suggest a more serious problem. Sneezing and nasal discharge often occur together.
Nasal discharge can be categorized by character: serous (clear), mucoid (cloudy), blood tinged, bloody (epistaxis) or a combination of these. It is also categorized by location: unilateral (one nostril vs. bilateral (both nostrils); chronicity (acute vs. chronic); and associated signs of disease. For example, nasal bleeding could suggest injury, a tumor, bleeding disorder or a tick-borne infection.
Sneezing and nasal discharge can be caused by dozens of conditions. Some causes are brief and self-limiting such as acute viral infections. Other problems are recurrent such as seasonal allergies. Still others – such as tumors or lodged nasal foreign bodies – are relentless and chronic unless the problem can be resolved.
Nasal disease can affect pets of any age. Younger animals are more likely to be affected by communicable respiratory infections (viruses in most cases) or birth defects (such as cleft palate, ciliary dyskinesis, or imperforate posterior choanae). Older pets with sneezing/nasal discharge are more likely to have chronic dental disease or tumors. Outdoor cats are more prone to inhalation of foreign bodies, such as fox tails plant awns, that can lead to acute and then chronic upper airway problems. Some fungal infections are more common in cats (e.g. cryptococcus).
What to Watch For
Sneezing and nasal discharge, which are the hallmark symptoms of nasal and sinus disease
Other signs may include:
Rubbing the nose or pawing at the face
Gagging
Excessive swallowing (from post-nasal drip)
Bleeding from one or both nostrils
A foul smell from the mouth or nose
Pain
Swelling over the bridge of the nose
Noisy breathing
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Lethargy (lack of energy)
Veterinary Care
Diagnosis
Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests to determine what is causing the sneezing or nasal discharge and to direct subsequent treatment.
There are several potential diagnostic tests. Recommendations will depend upon the likelihood of the potential diagnosis. The tests may include:
Physical examination and history including: examination for swellings; type of nasal discharge, airflow through the nostrils; ability of your pet to breath with the mouth closed; size and shape of lymph nodes; oral (mouth) cavity examination; and assessment of the eyes. Thorough examination of the upper airways is difficult without anesthesia. Acute causes of nasal discharge or sneezing – especially when caused by a respiratory viral infection – may be diagnosed from the history and clinical circumstances.
General blood screening rarely identifies the cause of the nasal discharge. However, blood tests are recommended to look for secondary disease and concurrent problems and to minimize anesthetic risk.
A platelet count and coagulation screen to assess for possible causes of bleeding.
A nasal swab and microscope examination of the cells (cytology).
Specialized blood tests for fungus infections.
Examination of the nasal cavity and posterior choanae (back of the nose) using endoscopes.
Flushing and cytology of the nasal cavities.
Skull X-rays.
Computerized tomography (CT).
Biopsy of the nasal tissue (mucosa).
2006-07-24 04:35:53
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answer #1
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answered by Samuella SilverSelene 3
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Sounds like she has CORYZA (cat flu)
Take her to a different veterinarian...He will probably give her a shot of antibiotics and prescribe an antibiotic treatment...
Don't wait to take her, Cat flu can be lethal if not treated properly, it can also become chronic, at which point she would need a series of antibiotics at least once a month (I have a cat with chronic Coryza, and it is a pain in the............... Every time she starts sneezing again we have to go back to the vet.)
2006-07-24 07:58:22
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answer #2
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answered by abuela Nany 6
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The Jews were stiffnecked in the OT (sorry I keep forgetting what you call the whole collection from Genesis to Malachi) - every prophet accused them of that. Now they have actually gotten to the point where they believe their religion and are willing to follow their God. I'd say they are very humble. Actually I'd say that the majority of Christianity is stiff-necked. They hold close to their gospel with their tongues but their hearts and actions are far from it. Maybe if they'd gone through as much tribulation as the Jews have they might appreciate it a little more.
2016-03-18 00:35:40
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answer #3
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answered by ? 4
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I can't believer the vet didn't give you some idea of what you're dealing with. Did they suggest antibiotics or even mention possibly allergies. I had a cat that was diagnosed with athsma. Maybe thats her problem. I would take her back and ask more questions, your paying for that service when you go. Good luck.
2006-07-24 04:33:11
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answer #4
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answered by chi chi 4
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best to take her to another vet let him know all her symptoms, tell him how long it lasts and that you've been to a vet on day two.
you might want to take her to an animal hospital they have everything in there in order to run tests on her.
she might need antibiotics.
also i am very fascinated by what you said about her semi spay.
i'm pretty sure that when they spay a cat they cut off everything, both her uterus and the ovaries
2006-07-24 07:57:38
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answer #5
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answered by hot_for_georgeclooney 3
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You can always talk with the vet you took her to and see if they actually found something. If they don't have any answers to you questions (or even if they do) you can always take your cat to a different vet for a second opinion. In my opinion, I would take her to a vet for a second opinion...especially if she seems worse than before.
2006-07-24 04:32:20
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answer #6
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answered by fieldworking 6
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Coryza Cat
2017-02-28 10:24:24
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answer #7
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answered by kunich 4
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Ross, My advice is to talk to the vet and ask if you should be concerned about anything. Point things out to the vet, he may not have noticed them before. If you still don't think the vet is correct, you could get another vet's opinion. Please let me know if your cat is doing better. My email is Kammie_Eyes@yahoo.com
2006-07-24 04:35:01
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answer #8
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answered by Kammie 1
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You need to go back to vets with her and insist they find out whats wrong with her. She sounds very sick. Or get a 2nd opinion from another vet
2006-07-24 04:37:46
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answer #9
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answered by cin_ann_43 6
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this doesn't sound like a good thing to me.
yes..at least run the symptoms by the vet before you get too upset it may just be a cold..
2006-07-24 04:30:43
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answer #10
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answered by Linnie 5
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