How To Clear Respiratory Foreign Bodies from a Cat
Foreign bodies can become lodged in your cat's respiratory system.If left unattended, this can cause your cat severe pain and can lead to the development of a chronic lung disease or even death.If you want to clear respiratory objects from your cat, you need to watch for common symptoms, take your feline to the vet for a thorough diagnosis, and then have your vet retrieve the object.The object can be removed quickly and safely if it is stuck in the nose or throat.The cat may need surgery if the object is deeper within the respiratory system.You will need to schedule follow-up appointments with your vet.
Step 1: Look for common symptoms.
Foreign bodies can get lodged in the nose, throat, trachea, or bronchi of a cat, and the symptoms vary depending on the exact location of the foreign object.If you see any of the following symptoms, look for them.
Step 2: Your cat is outside.
A foreign object, such as a blade of grass or a piece of a stick, will enter your cat if they are smelling or chewing it.While your cat is playing outside, keep a close eye on it.If your cat starts to have symptoms, you should have a better idea of what the problem is.
Step 3: Take your cat to the doctor.
You should take your cat to the vet if you notice any of the symptoms of a respiratory foreign body.If left unattended, a foreign body in the respiratory system could cause an illness.In some cases a foreign object can travel through the body, causing serious problems and even death.To find the exact location of the foreign object, your vet will need to run a number of tests.
Step 4: Have your cat checked out.
Your vet will need to perform a number of exams in order to locate the object.An examination can give your vet more information about the object that is lodged in the respiratory system.A complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis are some of the tests your vet can administer.An x-ray of the chest and throat.Skull/nasal images.A scope can be used to evaluate the lungs.Some cases may benefit from aCT Scan.
Step 5: The object can be removed manually.
This can be done by administering a local anesthetic and then grabbing the object from the throat or nose.If the object is easy to see, this type of removal can be done.If you are certain you can remove the object without causing any damage to the nasal passage, you may be able to do it without the help of a vet.It's best to let the vet do the removal.
Step 6: To remove the object, flush the respiratory tract.
A foreign object may be flushed from the respiratory tract by your vet.In order to get rid of the foreign object, a sterile solution will be flushed through the respiratory tract.
Step 7: Use an instrument to get a foreign body.
In order to remove a foreign body from a cat, the vet will place a flexible tube called an endoscope into the cat's mouth.They could attempt to pull out the object.The object can be removed with a balloon catheter.If the object is lodged in the throat, this procedure will not work.If the object is sharp, a protective tube can be placed down the cat's throat.
Step 8: A foreign body can be removed with surgery.
It is possible for a foreign object to be lodged in your cat's respiratory system.The vet may need to perform a surgery to remove the object.Most of the time your cat will be put under general anesthesia.When the cat is under anesthesia, there are always risks.Discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with your vet.
Step 9: You can schedule a follow-up appointment with your vet.
It is a good idea to schedule a follow-up appointment with your vet, as cats can recover quickly from removal procedures.Your vet will check on your cat during the appointment to make sure that he doesn't have any leftover pain or infections from the procedure.
Step 10: Antibiotics should be used to treat secondary infections.
A foreign body can cause a secondary infection.If there was a foreign body that was spread to the cat, this would happen.Antibiotics will be prescribed by your vet if this is the case.Follow your vet's instructions for administering the antibiotic.
Step 11: Provide your cat with pain medication.
Both the surgery and the recovery can be painful for the cat, so your vet will most likely prescribe pain medication.It is important that you follow the instructions given to you by the vet.NSAIDs, such as meloxicam or robenacoxib, may be prescribed by your vet.
Step 12: Feed your cat a balanced diet.
You can alleviate pain by giving your cat wet food.If your cat has a foreign body in the respiratory system, this type of food will be softer and less upsetting.If this is a good option for your cat, talk to your vet.