Conference misery::feline

146.0. "lung problem/calcification" by OXNARD::KOLLING (Karen/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca.) Mon Jan 20 1992 13:41

    About a year and a half ago, I changed my cats to one of those
    fine sand litters and shortly thereafter Sweetie started having
    coughing spells.  To make a long story short, an Xray showed that
    he has calcified areas in his lungs.  The cause is unknown; a
    specialist vet guessed it might be a problem with the flea powder
    I used to use when my cats went outdoors (VetChem), but said
    he had only seen that result in lung problems in dogs, not cats.
    It was unclear if the sand litter just aggravated the condition,
    or was responsible.
    
    To be safe, I stopped getting the sand litter, especially since
    it apparently can cause eye problems.  A follow up six month
    Xray showed no progression on the disease, so the vet said we
    could wait a year before doing another Xray.  unfortunately when
    that was done, it showed some disease progression.  I had
    shortly before then used Control cat litter for awhile, but
    stopped when i noticed that it, like the sand litters, was
    very good at soaking up moisture.
    
    The Xrays are being sent off to another specialist, but I was
    wondering if anyone had heard of a problem like this calcification
    of the lungs?  We're baffled as to a cause and consequently a
    treatment or preventative.  Thanks.