G.zeus, that sucks. When it rains it rains...

on a somewhat similar note: my 18-20 Y.O. cat, Ancient Mau, began to wheeze a few weeks ago. Took him to the vet, who suggested asthma and prescribed for it. Couple weeks passes, no relief. Saw a different vet (same hospital, it's a group gig) who investigated more closely, sending Xrays in to a consult.

Turns out, get this... Ancient Mau has COPD, as in emphysema-like COPD. He was my Mama's cat, and she smoked heavily. Poor critter is now paying the price of Mama's smoking habit... He'll be on these meds for the rest of his life, and periodic trips in for breathing treatments. This sucks, because he's a surprisingly healthy cat otherwise, and he certainly deserves a peaceful old age.

Lesson? If you just have to smoke, at least be decent enough to do it somewhere it won't affect others.

[/soapbox]