Following are selected posts to the Holisticat (TM) Mailing List on the subject of asthma. There's a lot of information here, and the posts are arranged in ascending chronological order. If there is a particular word you're looking for, it's probably best to utilize the "Find in Page" function in your edit menu!

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<<ago Maggie contracted an upper respiratory problem that went untreated too  long.  Her vet put her on antibiotics and left
her on them for a year, in spite of not seeing any improvement in her  condition.  We think she also received steroid treatment.
She now wheezes, sneezes...and when she sneezes she produces lots of this incredible green mucus.  We've taken her off the last of the antibiotics and she actually seems to be doing a bit  better.  Her eyes and nose both run most of the time.>>

Oh poor dear!!  What an assault to her immune system:(  Why type of food does she eat?  Wet or dry? If u can, give her wet food, and add some Dr. Goodpet Feline Digestive Enzymes to the food.  It contains both enzymes and acidophilus so will replenish the good bacteria that have been  decimated, and also will help her absorb the nutrients from her food.  U may have to give her this forever.  But Dr. G is easy to find and not expensive; Vitamin Shoppe (nci) has it and every mo, it's discounted some % http://www.vitaminshoppe.com

<< They put her echinacea, cat's claw, mullien, and Vitamin C (not an herb, I know).  I only give myself herbs and i don't have>>

Mullein leaf is supposed to be good for loosening mucous. But w/ any herb, I'd give her 5 days on, and 2 days off so she doesn't become dependent on it.

Vit C u can give 250-500mg a day.  Ester-C or some other brand of Calcium Ascorbate is a good idea for that.

Other than that, licorice is a good herb for respiratory probs, as is Elecampane.  Does she have wheezing as in asthma? If so, the latter herb is great.  Licorice is contraindicated for hi BP.

If u want a cure, and quick, your best bet is homeopathy.  A few doses of a well-chosen remedy and that green mucous will be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, I'm swamped w/ classes (off to one right now in fact) so can't repertorize for ya.  But maybe if u posted to the list any symptoms she has like - does she like heat, does she drink a lot of water, + her sinus symptoms, maybe together we can find a remedy for her.

How kind of you to volunteer at the shelter and to care so much for all the kitties:)  Best healing vibes for Maggie.

 Sandy, owned and operated by the mountain cats

In my natural pet care books, asthma (and other allergies) are connected to diet, particularly certain grains and low magnesium in the diet. Also, according to CJ Puotinen in _The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care_ "Pets who develop asthma or symptoms resembling hay fever allergies have  often received, in the preceding year, some combination of antibiotics, multiple vaccinations, commercial pet food and cortisone drugs." (p. 420)

First, you might want to consider feeding your kitty a very simple but balanced  diet. Also you can try giving your kitty extra vitamin C in her food as this is an excellent immune booster and works especially well for respiratory  problems. Try to use a powdered vit. C from the healthfood store--either calcium or sodium ascorbate, which are easier on the kitty's tummy since these forms of C are buffered. It would be good if you could also find a vit. C with bioflavonoids.

Second you should keep on hand a bottle of Bach's Rescue Remedy or five-flower remedy in case your kitty has another attack. You can just dab some Remedy on her temples or put a drop or so directly in her mouth. You can pick this up at the health food store. Here's a URL for an article which discusses dosage and administration of flower remedies.

http://www1.mhv.net/~dca/articles/Bach_Flower_Remedies.html

Third, you can try some herbs. The following passage is also from Puotinen's book, p. 420.

"Herbal therapy: Add aloe vera, garlic, finely minced wheat grass and other green grasses and herbs such as dandelion to meals. If your pet is being treated with steroid drugs for a skin condition, arthritis or other problem, consult with a holistic veterinarian about gradually replacing the drugs with herbs and other therapies.

Mullein is a specific for asthma. As New York herbalist Robin Rose Bennett has shown, the fastest way to interrupt a  human asthma attack is to light a dried mullein leaf, blow out the flame, and breathe the smoke. This emergency treatment may be appropriate for pets as well, for it is safe and effective in children. Fresh or dried mullein can be added to food or brewed as a
tea for use in food and drinking water. Stinging nettle is a specific for hay fever and is appropriate for all respiratory problems. When using an herb to improve respiration, give a pinch of powdered cayenne pepper, Tabasco sauce, fresh or powdered ginger or lobelia tincture (1 drop per 20 pounds if body weight) at the same time. These catalysts help accompanying herbs
work faster and more effectively." END Quote

If you know anyone who does acupuncture or pressure, this has also been shown to be effective for respiratory problems.

Take care, Susan

Thanks Sandy, Emily, Susan, Vick, Jillian for you help and advice.

I just got back from the vet and Chester has an eye infection.  He gave me antibiotic drops and said it should clear up shortly.  Also discovery that Chester has asthma.  Kinda suspected that as he gets out of breath quickly.  Does anyone know any natural remedies for that?  I checked at the book store and only one book suggested something.  It was to put echinecchea in water and have him breathe it in.  The doctor suggested prednisone, but I said I would look for something natural. It is very
mild, so I may not need to do too much.  He is not suffering from it.  I have mild asthma too, know my limitation, so I am not that concerned at the moment.

Bought Pat Lazarus' book.  Looks kinda interesting.
--
Jill

Jill S wrote:
<< I just got back from the vet and Chester has an eye infection.  He gave me antibiotic drops and said it should clear up shortly.>>

Poor Chester kitty!  Something Susan said jogged my memory - when Boo was first taken to the emergency vet, he was given steroid drops, and later the specialist told me that the steroid drops inhibit healing.  So it's a good thing u didn't use 'em on Chester.  Susan, thanks for mentioning  about the steroid and herpes.

<<Also discovery that Chester has asthma.  Kinda suspected that as he gets out of breath  quickly.  Does anyone know any natural remedies for that?  I checked at the book store and only one book suggested something.  It was to put echinecchea in water and have him breathe it in.  The doctor suggested >>

Dunno how that inhaling thing would work.  How old is Chester, and do u know if he has hi BP or at risk of developing hi BP?  Cuz if he's a young kitty, you could give him Licorice.  Mullein is a good herb too for getting rid of phlegm etc.

Boo developed asthma after we moved to CA.  I think the humidity in Houston helped him in that regard. It's the dry climate here that makes asthma worse sometimes.

You could try a humidifier, and maybe hydrosols.

Echinacea is good, but I prefer Astragalus.  It strengthens the immune system and is particularly good for respiratory probs.  How much Vit C do u currently give him?  U could give him 500 - 1000 mg a day.  I take Quercitin w/ ascorbic acid for my allergies and asthma.

Stinging Nettles also help.  U can get freeze-dried caps and sprinkle a lil in his food each day (doesn't have a strong taste so he should tolerate that).

I have another kitty w/ asthma and I'm treating her w/ homeopathy. Gave her a dose a few weeks ago, and haven't seen a recurrence yet <paws crossed>

Hope Chester is all better real soon:)

Sandy, owned and operated by the mountain cats

Sandy, I didn't mean echinecchea, I meant eucolyptus.  Anyway, Chester is 1 year 2 months old.  I didn't get asthma until I move out her from Florida 14 years ago.

I have a nebulizer for the eucolyptus (I can't spell that word).  I will try what you suggested.  What homeo did you give the cat that seems better?  How much licorice and mullein do I give?  Vitamin C is in the mineral mix.

Thanks.
--
Jill

Jill S. wrote:
<<I have a nebulizer for the eucolyptus (I can't spell that word).>>

That sounds like a good idea.

<<What homeo did you give the cat that seems better?>>

Actually it's not just for her asthma but I'm treating her at a very deep level for a miasm (susceptibility to certain diseases based on inherited conditions/tendencies).  I spent days looking for her remedy, and looks like I hit upon the right one <yay>

<<How much licorice and mullein do I give?  Vitamin C is in the mineral >mix.>>

I would up the C if it amounts to less than 1,000 mg in your mix b/c I think C is one of the best immune fighers around and is just fantastic w/ respiratory stuff.

I don't know specific doses of the other herbs but for my own cats I just give 'em 1 capsule a day for 3-4 days of the week.  Or I buy alcohol tinctures and then add them to their food after getting rid of the alcohol.

Sandy, owned and operated by the mountain cats

In a message dated 5/8/99 5:36:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, selkatz@ writes:

<< I just got back from the vet and Chester has an eye infection.  He gave  me antibiotic drops and said it should clear up shortly.  Also discovery  that Chester has asthma.  Kinda suspected that as he gets out of breath  quickly.  Does anyone know any natural remedies for that?  >>

Lobelia is good for asthma.  It comes in extract form and will immediately start to relax everything so you can breathe.  I also sell a homeopathic remedy called Asthma.  Both have been very successful.

Elaine C, N.D.

Hello the List:

I'm relatively new to the list, and mostly a lurker, but did want to share a couple of thoughts while I have a few spare moments.

The following book has some interesting theories on asthma and other chronic illnesses: Your Body's Many Cries for Water by F. Batmanghelidj, MD. The book's subtitle is: You Are Not Sick, You Are Thirsty! Dr. Batman, as he is familiarly known, suggests that chronic dehydration is at the root of many chronic illnesses. While I think this surely isn't the whole picture, the information in the book is certainly worth including in one's repertoire.

Now, specifically for asthma, Dr. Batman discusses the role of salt. Here is what he says:

"It is my understanding that in severe asthma attacks, salt shortage is a major contributing factor. I would like to share an important secret with you. Salt is a natural antihistamine [this last is unlined]. People with allergies should begin to increase their salt intake to prevent excess histamine production.

"Water is needed in the lungs to keep the air passages moist and prevent them from drying up when air goes in and comes out. In dehydration, mucus secretion protects air passages from drying. In the first stages of asthma, mucus is secreted to protect the tissues. There comes a time that much mucus is secreted and it stays put, preventing normal air passage of air through the airways. Sodium is a natural mucus breaker, and it is normally secreted to make mucus 'disposable.' That is why phlegm is salty when it comes in contact with the tongue.

"Salt is needed to break up the mucus in the lungs and render it watery for its expulsion from the airways. In dehydration, and in conjunction with water preservation mechanisms, a simultaneous and associated salt-preservation program becomes established. Not losing salt to mucus secretion becomes a part of the program. The body needs to be assured that both water and salt are available before bronchial construction relaxes and mucus becomes loose enough to be secreted."

Salt is much maligned these days, and I understand some cats on the list have other health problems that may preclude the use of salt, but learning more about the role of salt in the diet and in health may be worthwhile. I would recommend Celtic sea salt. The book, incidentally, is in paperback and is very readable.

Hope this is of help in some way.

Pat