Pneumonia

Question:

I have a kitty named Sunny who has had recurring bouts with pneumonia.  (His siblings died very young and the cause has never been clear.) I've had the pneumonia treated 3 times using antibiotics and would really like to come up with an alternative solution. Any suggestions are welcome.  Thanks.  Rozanna

Answer:

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. The fact that Sunny’s siblings died very young raises a red flag. In the neonatal period of the kittens their nutrition was likely poor as well as lack of immune antibodies from the mother. This set Sunny up for chronic infections that have manifested as pneumonia. Respiratory infections are very common in cats with a poor immune system.

There is a two-pronged approach here for Sunny. One is nutrition, specifically his protein intake, which is the building blocks for the immune system. Most commercial cat foods are much too high in carbohydrates and as cats are true carnivores this generates a poor base for the health of the animal. I would advise start feeding Sunny a high protein, moderate fat and low carbohydrate diet.

Secondly, immune support is important in helping Sunny fight off his episodes of pneumonia. I suggest Respo-K, Immugen or Moducare to help support his immune system. I would also recommend speaking with a holistic veterinarian about some Chinese herbal combinations that helps balance the root of the problem. I’m guessing pneumonia is probably not the only issue Sunny is having. I hope this information gives you a good place to start.

Sincerely,
Colleen Smith, DVM, CVA