Oxygen Therapy in Cats

Oxygen therapy for cats is a form of treatment that delivers a controlled level of oxygen to the feline. Oxygen therapy can be delivered through the nose, the mouth, trachea tube, or normal breathing. Oxygen therapy is often prescribed and calculated (ml/kg) by the veterinarian, then monitored by the licensed staff. There are several forms of oxygen therapy a veterinarian can choose from to accommodate a feline’s current state and overall condition. 

Prior to hooking the feline up to oxygen gas, the veterinarian will review the cat’s medical history and conduct a physical exam. Further routine diagnostic tests may be conducted after oxygen therapy has begun and the cat is stabilized. 

Note that oxygen therapy can is a monitored procedure and, like other stabilizer therapies, can be delivered at a high or low rate. The calculations of rate of administration are to be determined by the veterinarian. 

Below is a summary of each of the most commonly used oxygen therapy methods:

Nasal Cannula

A fast and easy technique that involves the placement of a human cannula. A nasal cannula is often placed when it is anticipated that the feline will be moved for diagnostic tests. In order to keep the two small prongs from slipping out of the nose, a nose band is creating using adhesive tape and skin staples. The Y section of the tubing will then be tightened behind the cat’s head. 

Nasal Catheter

Sedation is required to place a nasal catheter, which the veterinarian will select based on the feline’s health. A few drops of proparacaine will be placed into the nostril to numb the area and a suture will be placed at the base of the nostril, which will serve as an anchor later on. A feeding-tube is selected (size and style considered) and lubricated with a water-soluble jelly. The length of the tube is pre-measured from the outside, along the cat’s face before inserting the tube into the nasal cavity. Once the tube is in proper place, the premade suture at the base of the cat’s nostril will be used to tie the tube and secure it. Tape will be placed around the cat’s neck to anchor the loose tube and the end of that tube will be attached to oxygen. 

Oxygen Mask

Oxygen therapy can be delivered through the use of an oxygen mask, specially designed for felines and commonly used during anesthesia. The correct sized mask is found and secured in place with either tape, or a feline muzzle. The mask is then attached to oxygen gas. 

Crowe Oxygen Collar

An Elizabethan collar (one size larger than generally used for a cat) is secured around the cat’s neck and an oxygen tube is allowed underneath the collar from below. Tape is then used to secure the collar is place. Plastic wrap is then laid over the face of the Elizabethan collar, covering 50-80% of the surface area. 

Oxygen Cage/Chamber

A noninvasive form of oxygen therapy, filling a small space with oxygen to allow the feline to breathe in. 

Felines requiring oxygen are in a life-threatening situation and oxygen therapy is one of the best stabilization treatments available. Oxygen therapy can give the feline’s body a ready supply of oxygen gas with or without the need of inhalation. 

Oxygen therapy for cats may be administered for a few minutes to weeks, depending on the feline’s critical condition. 

The cost for feline oxygen therapy depends on a variety of factors. Whether the feline was taken through emergency care or a regular clinic or hospital, the form of oxygen therapy, whether, a sedative was involved, the amount of oxygen delivered to the feline, and other diagnostic tests paired with the oxygen therapy can influence the overall cost of treatment. The cost of oxygen therapy can cost anywhere from $70 to $1,000. 

No true considerations are paired with oxygen therapy. The use of oxygen therapy is beneficial for all oxygen-deprived felines. 

The need for oxygen therapy cannot always be prevented. Feline asthma, brachycephalic patients (flat-faced cats) and severe allergies are conditions a feline is born with, making prevention unobtainable.