Dyspnoea - Cat
Introduction
Feline respiratory emergencies are common in general practice. It is essential that these cases are handled in an appropriate way as the patients are normally very fragile and may go into respiratory arrest if they become too stressed.
The aims of the work up of a feline dyspnoea case are:
1) Stablise the patient
2) Identify the cause of the dyspnoea
3) Initiate therapy
Clinical Signs
The dyspnoeic cat presents with the following clinical signs:
- Increased respiratory rate and effort
- Abnormal posture - extended neck, abducted elbows, sternal recumbancy progressing to lateral recumbancy with impending respiratory arrest
- Open-mouth breathing
- Dilated pupils
Oxygen reserve is generally very low in dyspnoeic cats and you should avoid stressing them if at all possible. This is achieved by gentle handling, minimal procedures, and the use of a quiet, dimly lit room.
Stabilisation
On presentation the cat should immediately be placed in an oxygen cage. This increases the animals oxygen reserve and allows it to relax following the journey to the practice. If an oxygen cage is not available then 'flow-by' oxygen should be suppl
Dyspnea in cats is a shortness of breath that is bothersome and distressing, with varying degrees of obstruction depending on the cause. Cats may present with this breathing pattern due to a variety of causes, accompanied by more or less accompanying symptoms depending on the cause. Diagnosis of the specific cause is critical to the best management of a dyspneic cat.
The following AnimalWised article explains what dyspnea in cats is, the symptoms and treatment, and what you should do if your cat is having trouble breathing.
- What is dyspnea in cats?
- Symptoms of dyspnea in cats
- Causes of dyspnea in cats
- Diagnosis of dyspnea in cats
- Treatment of dyspnea in cats
What is dyspnea in cats?
Breathing is the basic organic function of all living things, from the simplest unicellular microorganism to the most highly developed multicellular animal. In cats and mammals in general, normal cellular function requires a continuous supply of oxygen and excretion of carbon dioxide.
These requirements are met by respiration, which is defined as a series of processes that allow the transport of oxygen from the environment into each cell and of carbon dioxide in the opp
Feline Respiratory Distress, a guest post by registered vet tech, Georgia Barbush.
While some symptoms and clinical signs can be given time to resolve before seeking veterinary care, there are certain signs that warrant immediate medical attention. Respiratory distress, or dyspnea, is one of these critical conditions. Cats can be particularly guarded about showing signs of illness, so owners must be especially observant.
Signs of Feline Respiratory Distress
&#; Open mouth breathing: Cats are obligate nose breathers. This means it is abnormal for a cat to breath or pant through his or her mouth.
&#; Blue gums: This condition, called cyanosis, results from a lack of oxygen in the blood. It is important to note that serious respiratory distress may be present even if gums are pink.
&#; Rapid breathing or slow, labored breathing: The normal respiratory rate for a cat at rest is breaths per minute.
&#; Exercise intolerance: Affected cats will experience fatigue after very short periods of activity.
&#; Coughing/Wheezing
&#; Nasal discharge
&#; Sitting with elbows pointed away from the body and/or the head extended downward and outward.
&#; Apnea: This is a complete lack of bre
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