Kittens with mild cases of the syndrome often recover completely without any treatment. If the kitten is feeding adequately and is able to move around without major respiratory problems, it’s common to let it heal itself without intervening. Close monitoring is necessary, as the kitten’s condition may worsen suddenly.
There are various treatments utilized by a veterinarian when they have identified the presence of flat-chested kitten syndrome. They include:
Oxygen replacement
Kittens who are exhibiting symptoms of inadequate respirations may be treated with oxygen to supplement the air around them. This may be done with a tiny oxygen cannula or mask if the kitten is fairly still, or an oxygen tent for part of the kitten’s day. Care must be taken to regulate the amount of oxygen in a tent to avoid over-pressurizing the lungs or creating unhealthy oxygen levels.
Assisted nutrition
If the kitten isn’t nursing normally, supplementing their intake with a feeding tube may be necessary to avoid malnutrition. The aim is to keep the kitten growing while its lungs and chest cavity normalize. By three to four weeks of age, most kittens will be back nursing with their littermates.
Medication
Some veterinarians will treat flat-chested kittens with antibiotics and steroids. Antibiotics combat present or potential lung infections like pneumonia, and corticosteroids speed up the healing process in the lung tissue. Typically, the antibiotic used is
Amoxicillin and the steroid is Dexamethasone. Antibiotics may also help to prevent infections secondary to the use of the steroid as well.
External splints
External splints, usually in the form of cloth bands tied firmly around the stomach area, or part of a plastic bottle taped in place over the abdomen, can assist the body and lungs in expansion and formation of a normal chest cavity shape. Typically, splints are only worn for about a week. The use of splints is dependent on whether the kitten will tolerate them – some do well with them and others don’t.
Massage
Massage has been recommended in some cases of flat-chested syndrome because it helps the kitten to relax so the chest is flexible and not held tightly. Most kittens enjoy gentle massage and submit to it willingly.
Nutritional support of the nursing mother
To improve the nutritional value of her milk and promote normal fetal and kitten development, the mother cat may be fed highly nutritious, meat-based food during pregnancy and while nursing. Taurine and potassium supplements are thought to help as well. Taurine is an essential amino acid, and potassium aids in normal fetal development and health of kitten lungs and muscles.
Liquid paraffin (mineral oil) for colic
Mineral oil aids in the passage of gas from the kitten’s abdomen, relieving the upward pressure of the stomach on the diaphragm and chest cavity which contributes to flat-chested syndrome.