[Development of a model of asthma in the cat: veterinary and medical concerns]

Feline asthma is a respiratory disorder, which is poorly studied in veterinary medicine and whose therapeutical approach is not based on pre-clinical or clinical studies. Besides the need to establish therapeutical strategies using bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, the asthmatic cat presents some interest as animal model of human asthma. Given the body size of a cat and the similarities of pathophysiology between feline and human asthma, simultaneous and repeated investigations of lung function, airway inflammation and airway remodelling in response to an allergic stimulus might be performed in felines. The experimental model of feline asthma developed by our laboratory allows, by respecting animal well-being, (1) the non invasive investigation of lung function and airway responsiveness using barometric whole body plethysmography, (2) the investigation of lower airway inflammation by determining hydrogen peroxide in exhaled breath condensate and by analysing bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, (3) the assessment of morphological changes based on thoracic radiography, bronchoscopic scoring and bronchial biopsies. This experimental model allows, on one hand, to elaborate therapeutical approaches for spontaneously asthmatic cats and, on the other hand, the testing of innovative treatments against asthma.