Ala vestibuloplasty improves cardiopulmonary and activity-related parameters in brachycephalic cats

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of ala vestibuloplasty on cardiopulmonary and lifestyle-related parameters in brachycephalic (BC) cats. Study design: Prospective cohort. Animals: Client-owned BC cats (n = 19). Methods: Cats were assessed preoperatively by airway computed tomography (CT), endoscopy, contrast echocardiography, cardiac biomarkers, and structured owner questionnaire. Ala vestibuloplasty was performed bilaterally, and blood values, imaging, and owner questionnaire responses were re-evaluated 8-20 weeks postoperatively. Results: Cats were presented for predominantly respiratory clinical signs attributable to brachycephaly. Preoperatively, all cats had stenotic nares, prolonged normalized pulmonary transit time (nPTT) (mean 5.43 ± 1.10 s), and a hyperattenuating pulmonary pattern. No complications occurred following surgery. Postoperatively, nPTT (mean 3.89 ± 0.74 s, p