Case 10

Signalment

Max is a 9-year-old castrated male domestic shorthaired cat.

History

Max's owners have noticed that Max seems a bit less active over the last couple of weeks and that his breathing is rapid, even at rest. He is a strictly indoor cat and eats a commercial canned cat food. His appetite is normal. Another cat in the house also lives strictly indoors and is in good health. The owners have not noticed any vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing. Max has no previous medical problems, his vaccination status is current, and he receives a monthly flea and heartworm preventive.

Physical examination findings

• Temperature = 102.1 F (39 C), pulse = 180 beats/min, respiration = 100 breaths/min

• Max is alert but quiet.

• Max's gums are moist and pink; mild dental tartar is noted.

• Weight = 8.3 lb (3.8 kg)-you note that Max has lost 2 lb since his last visit eight months ago.

• BCS = 4/9

• No nasal or ocular discharge is noted.

• Mild to moderate bronchovesicular sounds are auscultated in all lung fields, with a slight expiratory effort noted.

• His heart sounds are normal.

• His abdomen is soft, and no signs of pain or organomegaly are noted on palpation.

• The rest of his physical examination findings are unremarkable.

Based on Max's history and physical examination findings, your problem list includes:

• Tachypnea and dyspnea

• Weight loss

• Lethargy

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