How do you treat brachycephalic airway syndrome in cats?
Corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and oxygen therapy may all be useful for short-term relief of airway inflammation or respiratory distress. However, medical management of this condition does not correct the underlying anatomical abnormalities. Surgery is the treatment of choice whenever the anatomic abnormalities interfere with the dog’s breathing. Stenotic nares can be surgically corrected by removing a wedge of tissue from the nostrils, allowing improved airflow through the nostrils.Surgical treatments are aimed at relieving the upper airway obstruction through widening of the stenotic nares, shortening of the soft palate, and removal of everted laryngeal saccules. There are numerous techniques described for both widening the nares and treating the elongated palate.Medical management may be necessary in the form of anti-inflammatory drugs and oxygen therapy to reduce airway inflammation, but it’s important to note that this will not cure the problem. If your cat’s breathing is severely affected, surgery may be an option.Surgery is the treatment of choice whenever the anatomical abnormalities interfere with a cat’s breathing. Stenotic nares can be surgically corrected by removing a wedge of tissue from the nostrils, allowing improved airflow through the nostrils.Surgery usually consists of procedures to widen the nostrils (resection rhinoplasty), to reduce the length and thickness of the soft palate (partial staphylectomy) as well as surgery to remove the excess laryngeal mucosa. These procedures allow increased airflow and improve how an individual patient breathes.
What breeds of cats have brachycephalic airway syndrome?
Brachy means “short or shortened,” and cephalic refers to the head; thus, brachycephalic is the term given to short-headed or short-faced cats such as the persian, himalayan, and burmese breeds. Not all brachycephalic breeds will develop brachycephalic airway syndrome, but many will. Brachycephalic means shortened head. There are lots of pets selected for this appearance and have short snouts and flat faces. Flat-faced animals include: pugs.Brachycephalic cats, such as Persians and Himalayans, have flat faces that predispose them to certain health issues. In dogs, brachycephaly is a well-known and well-studied condition.Brachycephalic (flat-faced) animals face a much greater risk of developing serious and painful health problems compared to other animals. Some of these need lifelong medical attention and care which can be deeply distressing and expensive, with significant vet bills and great emotional costs for both owners and pets.
Can brachycephalic cats fly?
Due to the increased risks associated with brachycephalic animals, most airlines have implemented stricter regulations, and some may no longer accept them. Whether your pet is traveling in the cabin or as cargo, they must be confined in an IATA-approved carrier at all times. Travelling with a brachycephalic breed on Emirates Emirates allows snub-nosed only on direct flights to Dubai. Before travelling on an Emirates flight with a brachycephalic breed, here are a few things to keep in mind: Make sure your pet’s crate is at least 10 per cent larger than the typically recommended crate size.
What breed of cat has respiratory problems?
Due to the shorter bones of the face and nose, the anatomy and relationships with other soft tissue structures are altered; some of these changes can cause physical problems, particularly with breathing. Persian, Himalayan, and Burmese cats are the most well-recognized brachycephalic cat breeds. Sadly, the answer is yes, and it’s all due to their malformed head shape. Brachycephalic cats are at a higher risk for breathing, vision, and dental issues. Whether you’re thinking about welcoming a brachycephalic feline into your home or already care for one, here’s what you need to know.Brachy means “short or shortened,” and cephalic refers to the head; thus, brachycephalic is the term given to short-headed or short-faced cats such as the Persian, Himalayan, and Burmese breeds. Not all brachycephalic breeds will develop brachycephalic airway syndrome, but many will.Brachycephalic airway syndrome is common in these cats – this is where affected cats have difficulty breathing due to a very narrow external opening of the nose (stenotic nares), narrow nasal passages or nasopharynx, and/or due to a relatively long soft palate – in some cases the breathing difficulties can be severe.The brachycephalic syndrome consists of stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and everted laryngeal saccules. Tracheal hypoplasia is a generalized narrowing of the tracheal lumen diameter diagnosed commonly in English bulldogs and, less commonly, in other brachycephalic breeds.