Case Sharing: Help Your Cat Breathe Freely—Nutty’s Stenotic Nares Correction

By Dr. Ryan Chuang

Today we are highlighting the story of Nutty, a cat who visited us for a routine castration. While waiting, we noticed Nutty was breathing heavily with an open mouth due to stress. Upon examination, we diagnosed Nutty with severe Stenotic Nares (narrowed nostrils).

Many owners of flat-faced breeds assume noisy breathing is just a "breed trait." In reality, this is a serious congenital defect that significantly impacts a cat's quality of life.

1. Symptoms and Health Risks

Narrowed nostrils create a constant struggle for air, leading to:

• Respiratory Distress: Heavy breathing, snoring sounds, and open-mouth breathing during exercise or excitement.

• Exercise Intolerance: Poor stamina due to chronic oxygen deprivation.

• Chronic Issues: Frequent sneezing, nasal discharge, or chronic rhinitis.

• Gastrointestinal Problems: The increased effort required to inhale can cause negative pressure in the chest, leading to acid reflux and vomiting.

• Heart and Lung Strain: Over time, this constant pressure can lead to pulmonary hypertension and secondary heart issues.

2. The Surgical Solution: Rhinoplasty

The surgery involves removing a small, wedge-shaped piece of tissue from each nostril. The key is ensuring the incision is deep and wide enough to properly open the airway when sutured.

• Sutures: We use very thin, absorbable sutures that do not require removal. The wound is small and heals quickly, with sutures usually falling out or absorbed on their own later.

• Safety: This is considered a minor procedure. If the cat is otherwise healthy, the anesthetic risk is low. We often recommend performing this alongside a desexing procedure to minimize anesthesia frequency.

3. A Message to Cat Owners

If you wonder if surgery is necessary because your cat seems "used to it," try this: pinch your nose and breathe only through a tiny gap for one minute. That struggle is what these cats endure every second of their lives.

Cats "adapt" because they have no other choice. If we truly love them, we should prioritize their quality of life. Correcting their nares is a simple way to let them finally breathe freely.

(Article by Dr. Ryan Chuang. Reproduction without permission is prohibited; sharing with original attribution is welcomed.)

Appointments & Inquiries

For any medical needs or assistance, please contact Paws and Tails Veterinary Hospital:

• Phone: 2832 2836

• WhatsApp: 9870 5711

• Website: www.pawsandtailshk.com

• Address: 4 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong