Today was Ginger’s check-up of his paw wound and his lungs.
The paw wound has healed.
But his lung X-Rays show that the right lung is still inflamed. There is no deterioration or improvement of this condition. It doesn’t look like there’s cancer (luckily!) so we can rule out the lung-digit syndrome, which is rare.
The vet mentioned all kind of triggers like dust and scents that could cause the lung inflammation, but we do not have any of these triggers in our environment. It could also be due to Ginger’s FIV+ condition.
In this right lung, the middle lobe is inflammed (white images in the X-Rays). Ginger’s breathing, especially on the out-breath needs a bit of force. If this condition is not treated, it might worsen and result in scarring and hardening of the lobe.
The treatment is an aerosol steroid spray. Compared with oral steroids, this is better because oral steroids would be systemic, ie. disseminated throughout his body, but it’s only his lungs that need the steroids, so the aerosol spray is the better option.
The aerosol is the Flixotide inhaler, which is used for asthma and to administer it, the Aerokat chamber is needed. One puff per day for 14 days, then alternate day for 2 months before the next check-up.
Ginger will also be on Neulin (the bronco-dilator) for another 20 days. He was already on this previously.
The vet tried to listen to Ginger’s lungs using the stetoscope, but he was purring loudly all the time, so this wasn’t possible. Anyway, the X-Rays were helpful.
These first 4 images were taken today, 24th Aug 2024:
These two below were taken 3 weeks ago, on 3rd Aug 2024:
The vet explained what she saw on the X-Rays. The bottom line is, the inflammation has to be treated to prevent scarring and hardening.
Ginger also had a lot of wax in his ears, more in the right ear. An examination of the wax did not indicate any infection or the presence of yeast or bacteria, so it’s just wax. Twice-weekly cleaning is required for this.
At the vet’s.
This is the Aerokat chamber with the Flixotide inhaler inserted into it. Just one pump and the aerosol goes into the chamber. Then, the mask is placed over Ginger’s snout. When he breathes, the valve (see picture below) will move and I’m to count 10 breaths.
The movement of the valve is clearly visible.
The above image is from https://www.trudellanimalhealth.com/product/aerokat-chamber.
Having a meal back home, after the Aerokat procedure. I was able to do it alone too. Ginger’s a very good and cooperative cat.
I hope this treatment helps.