Stertor and Stridor in CatsStertor is noisy breathing that occurs during inhalation. It is a low-pitched, snoring type of sound that usually arises from the vibration of fluid, or the vibration of tissue that is relaxed or flabby. It usually arises from airway blockage in the throat (pharynx). Show Stridor is high-pitched, noisy breathing. The higher-pitched sounds result when relatively rigid tissues vibrate with the passage of air. It often occurs as the result of partial or complete blockage of the nasal passages or voice box (larynx), or collapse of the upper part of the windpipe (known as cervical tracheal collapse). Unusually loud breathing sounds are often the result of air passing through abnormally narrowed passageways, meeting resistance to airflow because of partial blockage of these regions. The origin may be the back of the throat (nasopharynx), the throat (pharynx), the voice box (larynx), or the windpipe (trachea). Abnormal breathing sounds of this type can be heard without using a stethoscope. The upper respiratory tract or upper airways includes the nose, nasal passages, throat (pharynx), and windpipe (trachea). Noisy breathing is common in short-nosed, flat-faced (brachycephalic) cat breeds, such as Persians and Himalayans. Affected short-nosed, flat-faced (brachycephalic) cats with inherited paralysis of the voice box (laryngeal paralysis) typically are younger than one year of age when breathing problems are detected. The acquired paralysis of the voice box (laryngeal paralysis) typically occurs in older cats. Cats are diagnosed less commonly than are dogs, with no obvious age pattern. Symptoms and Types
Causes
Risk Factors
DiagnosisYou will need to provide a thorough history of your cat's health leading up to the onset of symptoms. Your veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen to the entire area from the pharynx to the trachea. If the sound persists when your cat opens its mouth, a nasal cause can virtually be ruled out. If the sound occurs only during expiration, it is likely that airway narrowing is the cause. If the abnormal sounds are loudest during inspiration, they are from disease other than in the chest. If you have noticed a change in your cat's voice, the larynx is the likely abnormal site. Your veterinarian will systematically listen with the stethoscope over the nose, pharynx, larynx, and trachea to identify the point of maximal intensity of any abnormal sound and to identify the phase of respiration when it is most obvious. It is important to identify the location from which the abnormal sound arises and to seek the aggravating causes. Internal imaging techniques, such as radiography and fluoroscopy, are important for assessing the cardiorespiratory system and to rule out other or additional causes of respiratory difficulty. Such conditions may add to an underlying upper airway obstruction, causing a subclinical condition to become clinical. X-rays of the head and neck may help to identify abnormal soft tissues of the airway. A computed tomography (CT) scan may also be used to provide additional anatomic detail. In some cases, your cat's physiological inheritance can make the diagnosis more apparent, such as with cats that are brachycephalic. In these situations, your veterinarian will determine the location that is being most affected by your cat's conformation and decide where to go from there. TreatmentKeep your cat cool, quiet, and calm. Anxiety, exertion, and pain can lead to increased movement of air into and out of the lungs, potentially worsening the airflow. Low levels of oxygen in the blood and tissues, and decreased movement of air into and out of the lungs occur with prolonged, severe blockage to airflow; supplemental oxygen is not always critical for sustaining patients with partial airway collapse. In addition closely monitor the effects of sedatives that have been prescribed, as sedatives are known for relaxing the upper airway muscles and worsening the blockage to airflow. Be prepared for emergency treatment if complete obstruction occurs. Extreme airway blockage or obstruction may require an emergency intubation (that is, passage of an endotracheal tube through the mouth and into the windpipe [trachea] to allow oxygen to reach the lungs). If obstruction prevents intubation, an emergency tracheotomy (a surgical opening into the windpipe [trachea]) or passage of a tracheal catheter to administer oxygen) may be the only available means for sustaining life. However, a tracheal catheter can sustain oxygenation only briefly while a more permanent solution is sought. Surgery may be required if a biopsy has indicated a mass in the airways. PreventionAvoid strenuous exercise, high ambient temperatures, and extreme excitement. Your veterinarian will advise you on the correct level of exercise to encourage in your cat. Living and ManagementYour cat's breathing rate and effort will need to be monitored closely. Complete blockage or obstruction could occur after an apparently stable patient is taken home or if continual observation is not feasible. Even with surgical treatment, some degree of obstruction may remain for 7 to 10 days due to postoperative swelling. Care will need to be taken during this time to protect your cat from complications due to labored breathing. After surgery, your cat may feel sore and will need proper rest in a quiet place, away from other pets and active children. You might consider cage rest for a short time, until your cat can safely move about again without overexertion. Your veterinarian will also prescribe a short course of pain killers until your cat has fully recovered, along with a mild course of antibiotics, to prevent any opportunistic bacteria from attacking your cat. Medications will need to be given precisely as directed, at the proper dosage and frequency. Keep in mind that over dosage of pain medications is one of the most preventable causes for death in household pets. See AlsoIs it normal for my cat to breathe loudly while sleeping?Noisy breathing is usually caused by a narrowing of the airways, perhaps due to inflammation, a collapse of the larynx or trachea, or a growth such as a polyp or tumour. If you notice a sudden change in your cat's breathing sounds, it's always a good idea to take them to the vet.
Why is my cat breathing heavily through nose?If you see your cat breathing heavily, it might be connected with stress, anxiety, or overheating. Sometimes, felines may also display labored breathing, which strongly resembles cat panting. Labored breathing in cats looks a lot like panting in dogs.
Why does it sound like my cat is snoring when breathing?What is this? Noisy Inhalation: Scientifically known as stertor, a cat breathing loudly on the inhalation usually makes a low-pitched congested noise. It sometimes sounds a little like snoring or deep purring and is usually caused by obstruction of the nasal passages or throat.
Should I worry about my cat snoring?If your cat has always snored, he's probably OK. However, if the snoring comes on suddenly or is accompanied by other changes in behavior, it's time to make that call. Beyond a rapid onset of snoring, owners should also be wary of symptoms of distressed breathing while the cat is awake.
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