Use of terbutaline in feline asthma

RE: Use of terbutaline in feline asthma

Rosie_Skinner — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 17:02:00 GMT

I have certainly used terbutaline as a bronchodilator in asthmatic cats as part of a multimodal approach alongside ccs either inhaled or systemic. In my experience of it, I've found it safe and effective as long as they don't have CHF! I usually use it when the cat is acutely dyspnoeic/coughing and for a few days after. I know you can use theophylline for the same reason.

RE: Use of terbutaline in feline asthma

KathW — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 12:53:29 GMT

I've used it IV in emergencies. I use a combination of nhalers as Martin says for long term.

Also look at where attacks happening - eg if the cat is worse in the bedroom/ sleeps in the bedroom - look at new bedding / anti allergy bedding.

RE: Use of terbutaline in feline asthma

Martin Atkinson — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 18:22:39 GMT

I've not used it, I've had success with salbutomol and corticosteroid inhalers. I guess it may be useful for cats which won't tolerate an Aerokat mask. Corticoids are the mainstay of preventative therapy with a bronchodilator for symptomatic treatment.

RE: Use of terbutaline in feline asthma

Thomas Johnson — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 16:34:39 GMT

[quote user="Charlotte Marshall"]

Can anyone give me advice about this? I have a cat which was put on it by our out of hours provider. I had not heard of using it before. Is it used permanently in asthmatic cats or is it generally just used for short periods when the cat presents with an episode?

It was started initially on steroids as well and worsened when these were weaned off despite the terbutaline. I have sent the owners away to look at video of inhalers as an option. CUrrently it is back on steroids.

[/quote]

I've not heard of it being used in feline asthma, but I'm not surprised that it's not enough on its own. Asthma generally causes inflammation, increased mucous production and bronchoconstriction, and a beta 2 agonist such as terbutaline isn't going to do anything for the inflammation and mucous production. I think you're right to encourage the owners to use a steroid inhaler, and if they can't use an inhaler then it's going to need to stay on the oral pred.