Background

Propentofylline is a methylxanthine derivative licensed for veterinary use in dogs. Its bronchodilating actions are similar to theophylline, but the therapeutic index of propentofylline is better.

Hypothesis

Use of propentofylline is beneficial in cats with bronchial disease.

Animals

Nineteen client-owned cats with a history of coughing, episodes of dyspnea, or wheezing were enrolled in the study.

Methods

The study was designed as prospective placebo-controlled study. A combination of clinical examinations, follow-up radiographs, and assessment of clinical signs and behavior at home (judged by the owner) was used to investigate possible effects. The observation period was 63 days. All cats received a low dose of prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg q24h) and 10 of the cats additionally received propentofylline in a dose of 5 mg/kg q12h. The other nine cats received placebo twice daily.

Results

Propentofylline-treated cats significantly improved in their auscultation scores and respiratory pattern scores as well as in the bronchial markings score in radiologic examinations over the observation period, whereas in the cats of the placebo group changes were not significant. As assessed by the owners, propentofylline-treated cats significantly coughed less and slept less at the end of the study.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

There is evidence that a combination therapy with propentofylline in cats with bronchial disease might be superior over a monotherapy with prednisolone.