![]() Breathing Problem in Short-Nose Breed CatsTreatment
Treatment is not necessary unless your cat is exhibiting clinical signs. Risk factors, such as warm humid weather and common allergens, should be avoided. Exact treatments are dependent upon what sort of symptoms are present, and how severe these symptoms are. Breathing assistance and oxygen supplementation may be necessary, and if the airway is obstructed it must be opened. This can be done by passing a tube through the mouth and windpipe (known as an endotracheal tube), or via a surgical incision into the windpipe (known as a tracheostomy). There are also surgical procedures that can be performed in order to prevent airway problems in brachycephalic breeds, such as widening narrowed nostrils, shortening an elongated palate, and tonsillectomy. Your veterinarian will go over additional procedures that might benefit your cat, if applicable
Living and Management
If your cat does have any surgical procedures performed, you will need to carefully monitor its progress. Frequent checks on your cat's breathing rate and effort, heart rate, pulse, and temperature, among other characteristics, will need to be done, and tracked, so that any changes worth noting can be reported back to your veterinarian.
Prevention
Corrective surgical procedures, such as shortening an overlong palate, or correcting narrow nostrils, can help prevent respiratory problems in brachycephalic breeds. You will need to avoid risk factors as much as practically possible, such as warm humid weather and obesity, which can worsen inherent respiratory problems.
Related ArticlesNarrowed Bronchi in Cats A cat's trachea, or wind pipe, is divided into two main bronchi, or tubes, which... READ MORE Sneezing, Reverse Sneezing, and Gagging in ... Sneezing refers to the normal reflexive behavior of expelling air to remove matter... READ MORE Noisy Breathing in Cats Stertor is noisy breathing that occurs during inhalation. It is a low-pitched, snoring... READ MORE
Hurry Before All Seats are Taken!
Enroll
Be an A++ Pet Parent! Take fun & free courses to earn badges & certifications. Choose a course»
|