Enlarging Nasal Openings in Cats

Surgery to enlarge the nasal openings in cats is performed when stenotic snares are present. Stenotic snares are pinched or narrow nostrils that occur in certain breeds of cats, referred to as brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic breeds include Persians, Burmese, Himalayan and some exotic shorthair cats. These breeds are characterized by flat faces with short noses and are susceptible to brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can be characterized by several abnormalities in the upper respiratory tract including stenotic snares, which limit the passage of air into the respiratory system through the nostrils.

If your cat has nostrils that are limiting air passage, resulting in mouth breathing, snoring, or other respiratory difficulties, the nasal openings can be surgically enlarged by removing a wedge of tissue from your cat's nostrils to increase the amount of airflow through the nostrils and improve your cat's breathing. This surgery can be performed using traditional or laser surgery. Both surgeries require a certified, experienced veterinary surgeon. Laser surgery especially requires a veterinary surgeon with experience in this procedure as laser surgery performed incorrectly in this area can worsen the situation. 

This surgical procedure requires that your cat be put under general anaesthetic. Prior to general anesthesia you will be required to fast your cat from food and a physical examination will be performed to ensure their overall health prior to administration of anesthesia. Your cat will be sedated, administered intravenous anesthesia, and then intubated with a esophageal tube to maintain anesthesia through anesthetic gasses. 

Your cat's fur around the nose will be shaved off, the area cleaned antiseptically and surgical drapes used to maintain a sterile surgical area. 

The veterinary surgeon will make two incisions on each side of your cat’s nose and remove a crescent shaped wedge of skin at the opening of the nostril to allow passage of adequate air. If required, tissue extending down into the nasal passage may also be removed. Dissolving sutures will then be used along the incision, which will close off the incision and will pull nostrils up and out, also widening nostrils to open the airway. 

Laser surgery can also be used to perform this surgery and does not require sutures, but does require specialized equipment and expertise by your veterinarian to ensure success.

Enlarging of the nasal openings is achieved immediately after surgery. Your cat's nostrils will be larger and the nasal passage will allow for better airflow. Your cat will immediately experience improved breathing and quality of life. 

Recovery is usually quite straightforward and your cat will be able to breath better. If traditional surgical techniques and sutures were required, your cat will need to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from interfering with the surgical incision and stitches. If laser surgery was performed, no sutures are required and this is less of a concern. If swelling occurs at the surgical site, a nasotracheal catheter may need to be inserted and oxygen therapy provided immediately post-surgery to aid your cat with oxygen intake. Cage rest for a few days post surgery is recommended, otherwise, recovery should be relatively quick. Your veterinarian may recommend follow-up to ensure healing is progressing.

Depending on the cost of living at your location, surgery to enlarge your cat's nasal openings can range from $200 to $1,000. The surgery will provide immediate relief for your cat's breathing problems and make him or her a much healthier cat long-term. 

If laser surgery complications occur it can result in further narrowing or your cat's nasal structures, resulting in severe breathing difficulties. An experienced laser surgeon will be able to mitigate this risk. Traditional surgery techniques are not associated with this risk, however, require you ensure your cat does not interfere with stitches. As with any surgery, anesthesia presents a certain risk which can be mitigated by ensuring your cat is healthy and fasts prior to administration of anesthetic.

Obesity worsens breathing concerns in brachycephalic cat breeds. Ensuring your cat has a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise to control their weight will improve their breathing, and decrease the likelihood of requiring surgical intervention.