Inhalation for Animals
Inhalers & accessories for animal inhalation
Respiratory diseases are commonly occurring in animals; in particular, cats, dogs and horses are often affected by chronic illness of the lower respiratory system. Treatment is dependent upon the type of illness; however, anti-inflammatory, mucous removing and bronchia expanding medications are given.
Ultrasonic & compressor inhalation, metered & powder inhalers
Because the side effects of medication administered as pills or syringes can be quite severe, many veterinarians gladly revert to the animal inhaler with which the medication can be inhalatively administered. This also ensures that the medication takes affect where it is needed – in the lungs.
In human medicine, there is a difference between the types of inhalation. One form of inhalation therapy is done with an ultrasonic or compressor nebuliser with which the carrier solution (typically sodium chloride solution) is vaporised to fine particles with the combined medication.
Then, there are also dosage aerosols with which the medication is soluted into a propellant and powder inhalers with which the patient intakes finely ground, or micronized, medications into the lungs via powerful inhalation.
The Witvet inhaler from TooToo Meditech is suitable for aerosol treatment in cats. It is used with metered dose aerosols from human medicine and offers targeted treatment of various respiratory diseases.
All of these types of inhalation, with the exception of powder inhalers, can be used for animals. To do so, there are special animal inhalors and nebulisers which make animal inhalation possible.
Animal nebulisers
Should the medication be administered with a carrier solution (e.g. sodium chloride solution) or should the inhalation serve to moisturise the animals respiratory system, then compressor or ultrasonic nebulisers come into use.
Because of costs, human nebulisers are often applied in veterinary medicine. Typically, nebulisation is not done with a mask, as is the classic method, but rather the animal is placed in a carrier and the nebuliser vapour is fed into the carrier.
The inhalation is then usually not done with a mask, as would classically be the case, but the animal is placed in a transport box (such as the oxygen therapy cage by Eickemeyer) and the inhalation steam is introduced into it.
However, there are also nebulisers that are specially developed for animals, such as the Air One Nebuliser for Horses. This nebuliser is designed to provide an effective and animal-friendly nebulisation.
The well thought-out breaking mask fits perfectly onto the horse's nose and, of course, is available in various sizes. Based on the need, the Air One Nebuliser for Horses is available as a mains or battery operated device.
For simultaneous treatment of other animals with the Air One Nebuliser, there are also additional breathing masks available for dogs and cats.
Animal inhalers
If the animals needs to be treated with a dosage aerosol (often also used with human medication), then an animal inhaler is required. Also known as an aerosol chamber, this device allows the animal to slowly and reliably intake the medication over multiple breaths.
Such inhalers are available for cats, dogs and horses, and equipped with compatible masks that are fitted to the anatomy of the animal in question. With Praxisdienst, you can order the AeroKat inhaler for cats, the AeroDawg inhaler for dogs and the AeroHippus inhaler for horses.
Feline inhalation
Feline asthma is the most common respiratory condition in cats. Around 80,000 cats with asthma live in Germany, alone. The disease is not curable, but it is easy to treat with medications.
Inhalative medication administration is important, especially when it comes to cortisone treatment since the side effects can be quite severe. Long-term, systematic administration can even cause diabetes. Because feline asthma treatment typically uses a dosage aerosol, inhalers like the AeroKat come into use.
Inhalers can also come into use for other respiratory ailments (such as sniffles) in order to dissolve secretions or to sooth irritated mucous membrane.
For these purposes, medication is usually not used, but rather a light sodium chloride solution.
Canine inhalation
One of the most common respiratory illnesses in dogs, smaller species at a progressed age in particular, is chronic bronchitis.
With dogs, it is also important to administer the necessary medication via inhalation so as to prevent serious side effects.
The AeroDawg aerosol chamber makes it very easy to administer dosage aerosols. Most dogs quickly get used to the quick and regular inhalation with the inhaler and, therefore, also tolerate the breathing mask quite well. Even with simple colds, dogs can be treated with an inhaler.
Of course, we also have the matching replacement masks for the AeroKat/AeroDawg aerosol primer chamber.
They are available in three sizes and can thus be selected to fit your cat/dog.
For treating lighter cold symptoms, inhalation should be done with a salt solution (sea salt).
Equestrian inhalation
Horses are particularly susceptible to respiratory diseases. In fact, recurrent airway obstruction is one of the feared illnesses amongst horse owners. Treating horses who are suffering from respiratory issues is usually done through inhalation.
Which inhalation method is used is dependent upon which medication needs to be administered. If a medication form requires a dosage aerosol, then the administration is carried out with an aerosol chamber.
For medications that are to be administered with a carrier solution vie vaporisation, then an ultrasonic nebuliser is required, e.g. the Air One Nebuliser for Horses.
Conveniently order animal nebulisers and inhalers
We offer you all nebulisers and inhalers for dogs, cats and horses at particularly low prices. Of course, you will also find the compatible accessories for your inhaler or nebuliser.
You have questions about one of our animal inhalers or require advice on selecting the proper inhaler for your animal? Our customer service will happily advise you! Simply contact us per telephone, email or use our practical live chat.
Editors: Elisa May, Sam Selzner