Brachycephalic cats, like Persians and Himalayans, have flat faces that predispose them to certain health issues.
In dogs, brachycephaly is a well-known and well-studied condition. Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus are just a few of the “short-nosed” flat-faced dogs that suffer from respiratory problems, bulging eyes, and overheating due to nasal passages. shortened. Although much is known about this disorder in dogs, our feline friends are often overlooked even though they can also suffer from this condition.
What is brachycephaly?
The scientific term “brachycephaly” comes from ancient Greek and means “short head”. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is defined as “having a
relatively broad and short skull, usually with a width of at least 80% of the length.
Quick fact: Brachycephaly is reported not only in animals, such as dogs and cats, but also in humans.
Animals with brachycephalic problems are physically different from their counterparts. Shortened noses and flat facial features tend to predominate, resulting in smaller nasal cavities and restrictive airflow. Other characteristics of flat-faced animals include narrowed nostrils and tear ducts and protruding eyeballs. These characteristics predispose animals to certain health problems.
1. RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
Respiratory issues are among the most common and concerning problems associated with flat-faced cats. The condition is known as brachycephalic obstructive airway
(BOAS) and clinical signs, ranging from mild to severe and even life threatening, may include mild breathing changes, coughing, labored breathing and low oxygen levels.
Many of these respiratory problems stem from the conformation of the cat’s skull. In felines with normally shaped skulls and facial features, the nasal passages are wider and longer. This allows the specialized anatomy and receptors of the nasal cavity to have a larger surface area, thereby facilitating respiratory processes more effectively. In brachycephalic breeds, this is not the case. For processing options, see page 26.
Quick fact: The flatter skull anatomy creates shorter and narrower nasal passages.
This not only means that less air flows through the nasal cavities; it also slows airflow and makes specialized breathing zones less efficient.
2. EXERCISE AND HEAT INTOLERANCE
It goes without saying that the more air we can breathe, the healthier the respiratory system will be. Properly proportioned anatomical structures mean that this process is carried out with great efficiency. The body will adapt to the amount of oxygen needed to stay balanced and function at optimal levels. This is why when an animal
exercises or has an increased need for oxygen, the respiratory process absorbs more of it. The anatomical structures of the nasal cavity allow this.
In animals with brachycephalic disorders, however, the structural differences create less space for the air exchange process. It can also affect thermoregulation, which means
Brachycephalic cats can suffer from exercise intolerance and become overheated very easily.
3. EYE PROBLEMS
Due to the shape of their skulls, flat-faced cats often have eyes that protrude from the normal resting position into the sockets, leaving them more exposed and less protected. This can sometimes make the eyes less sensitive. Dust, pollen and other environmental allergens, which are usually processed and eliminated by the eye’s natural protective ability, are more likely to cause problems, especially with reduced sensitivity.
Quick fact: Because the eye is less sensitive, scratches and punctures of the corneal membrane are more likely.
Another concern often attributed to the skull shape of brachycephalic cat breeds is the distortion and pressure placed on the tear ducts. Normally, these ducts connect the tear glands in the eye to the nasal cavity, allowing excess tears to drain into the nasal cavity and out of the body through the nose. However, altered facial features in flat-faced cats mean that the ducts may not function normally, which can cause inflammation and ‘backup’ of tear secretions. When this happens, excessive tearing occurs, increasing secretions and causing chronic drainage of the eyes and moist areas under and around the eyes.
4. DENTAL PROBLEMS
Dental issues can be a concern for cats with flat facial features. Two of the biggest problems are malocclusions and crowded teeth. In the development of a normal skull, proportional growth allows teeth to occupy a specific space in the jawbone. In brachycephalic breeds, however, everything tries to occupy a more compact area. This can lead to crowding and teeth pushing on other teeth.
A more flattened facial bone structure with crowded teeth means malocclusions are common. Under normal circumstances, the upper and lower jaws work together in an articulated motion to properly chew and break down food. This can be impaired in cats with flat facial features, leading to poor chewing and digestive issues.
Treatment options for BOAS
Treatment is often targeted at BOAS-related symptoms and is also based on the severity of symptoms seen in individual cats. Mild cases may require little or no treatment, or may benefit from occasional conventional medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, and antibiotics. More severe cases often require more advanced treatments and may include the addition of steroids and bronchodilators to improve breathing. In more severe cases, more advanced techniques may be needed. Surgery is sometimes needed to correct anatomical variations (stenotic nostrils and elongated soft palate) that lead to respiratory distress.
While conventional treatments are the mainstay of treatment for BOAS, integrative and holistic modalities can also be used. Acupuncture, herbs, and the proper use of essential oils can help promote balance and well-being while strengthening respiratory functions.
Quick fact: Finding an integrative vet can be very beneficial if you have a brachycephalic cat.
If you are considering adopting a brachycephalic cat, do your homework first. It is important to know what you are committing to in terms of general well-being and veterinary care. With the proper knowledge and care, brachycephalic breeds and their mixes make wonderful companions, just like any other cat!
