A nebulizer is only effective if you know what to use in it. Using saline solution is always effective and better than either a vaporizer or humidifier. You should also check out How to Nebulize a Cat or Kitten.
Saline Solution
Saline solution will help break up the mucus in the lungs and nasal sinuses. While you can purchase saline solution, I find it easiest to use Sub-Q fluids. The saline solution will hydrate the respiratory tract, breaking up the thick mucus, so the immune system can remove.
Vicks Vapo Steam
Adding a couple of drops to the saline solution in the nebulizer cup is very effective. According to Revival Animal Health, “add two drops of liquid Vicks as a natural bronchial dilator with the Eucalyptus in the Vicks. (Caution in using straight Eucalyptus oil as it usually ruins the nebulizing cup!)” For more information about using Vicks Vapo Steam, I have an entire page on it.
Linocin
Linocin is the brand name for Lincomycin. It is an antibiotic that inhibits bacteria by suppressing protein synthesis and growth. It has been proven effective in treating most common upper respiratory tract infections, septicemia, and infections of the skin and adjoining tissues. In the nebulizer, Revival Animal Health recommends 100 mg Lincocin with 11cc Saline.
Tylan
Tylan is a macrolide antibiotic in the same family as erythromycin. It is usually used to treat diarrhea and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. In the nebulizer, Revival Animal Health recommends 2cc Tylan 50 wtih 10cc Saline or ½cc Tylan 200 with 11½cc Saline.
Nebulizer Mixture
I attended an online seminar about kitten care that discussed using a nebulizer. I asked what they used in their nebulizer and was given the following by a Dr. Jefferson. “Add the following to a 1L NaCl bag and keep refrigerated: 40mL Gentocin (100mg/mL), 20mL Dexamethasone (2mg/mL) and 20 mL Albuterol.
Since then, I found a similar mixture on Austin’s Pets Alive Medication Chart. Add to 1 Litter NaCl 20cc Gentamicin (100mg/mL), 40cc Dexamethasone or 20cc Dexmethasone SP, and 21cc Albuterol (7 capsules).
Sources:
“Nebulizer Treatment for Dogs and Cats” by Don Bramlage, DVM, Former Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health. Revivial Animal Health.