High-flow nasal oxygen helps cats with breathing failure

Abstract

Case series summary This case series describes seven cats that were treated with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNOT). Seven cats were prospectively (n = 5) or retrospectively (n = 2) included from three veterinary university referral centers between March 2020 and September 2023. Data on signalment, medical history, clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment administered, response to HFNOT and outcomes were recorded. All cats included in this case series failed to respond to oxygen cage or flow-by oxygen therapy and were subsequently transitioned to HFNOT. After this transition, these cats demonstrated a marked improvement in respiratory parameters, including respiratory rate, effort and oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry, within 1 h of initiating HFNOT. All cats tolerated HFNOT well without any complications. Relevance and novel information There is limited literature reporting the use of HFNOT in feline patients. This is the first case series in the literature of HFNOT utilized as an advanced oxygen delivery method for feline respiratory failure. This case series indicates that HFNOT improves oxygenation in feline patients that fail to respond to conventional oxygen therapy. Plain language summary Seven cats with respiratory failure received high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, which improved their oxygenation. Three were successfully weaned off the therapy, and one survived and was discharged.