A surgery that improves cardiopulmonary and activity-related parameters in brachycephalic (BC) cats? That’s pretty neat.

What does brachycephalic mean? And what does this procedure mean for brachycephalic cats?

Brachy means shortened ,and cephalic means head. The skull bones of brachycephalic cats are shortened in length, giving the face and nose a pushed-in appearance.

Think of those Persian, Himalayan, Burmese, British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair kitties. If you are lucky enough to be graced with their presence, you most definitely have noticed their heads are a much different shape than a domestic house cat. You also may have noticed that you can hear them breathing much louder.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Cats

If cats have brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS), they may have many upper airway abnormalities. Some of these abnormalities can include pinched or narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, a narrowing of the windpipe, and a tissue-obstructed airway.

Well, there is a surgery that can alleviate some of the common issues that comes with having those adorably shaped noggins. It’s called “ALA Vestibuloplasty” and it is a safe procedure that improves cardiac and CT abnormalities and respiratory and other clinical signs in BC cats.

Talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have about your BC kitty, and if your kitty can benefit from ALA Vestibuloplasty.