Expert: Jessica - 9/22/2010

Question
Dearest Jess: Len here, It appears Squeek may be in some
distress as her breathing has become extremely shallow and
rapid and her urine lately has become more intense(Ammonia
smell).I'm curious to know if there's a relationship with
having hairballs as her cleaning habits also appear to have
increased. Forgot to mention she has what appears to be dry
heaves which causes laboured breathing.
Much Luv
Len (The Old man)
Looking forward to hearing from you again.

Answer
Hi Len,

Glad to hear from you, but sad it's on such terms.  Squeek is in serious condition and needs to see a vet right away.  Anytime the breathing becomes shallow, there is something severely wrong.  It can indicate a number of things, but they are all serious.  This may include cancer, asthma, heart problems, fluid in the abdomen secondary to another problem such as liver disease, or at times, it can even be caused by a dangerously high fever or may be to cope with extreme pain.

The strong ammonia smell in the urine can also indicate a number of things, also all serious, and may include severe dehydration, a bad urinary tract infection (including a kidney infection) or ketoacidosis.  Ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes that goes untreated.  Most owners don’t realize their cats are diabetic until the cats are in later stages and are suffering weight loss, neuropathy, and sometimes even nausea (which is past the point of excessive hunger).

Many of these things can be tied in together.  For example, if the cat has a kidney infection, then she will also likely be nauseated, causing the dry heaves, and pain which might explain the shallow breathing, and her urine odor is caused by bacteria that are infecting the kidneys.  Or, if she has heart problems, she may not be drinking as much as she should be, causing dehydration and more concentrated urine, which will result in a strong urine odor.  Fluid that surrounds the heart can press on the lungs and stomach, causing nausea (hence, the dry heaves) and shallow, rapid breathing.  But only a vet can sort out what’s really happening.  Fortunately, some of the issues are quite treatable, but definitely, the earlier you get her in, the better.  So I’d get her in today, even if you have to make it an emergency visit.

Best of luck to you and Squeek!

Jessica