Expiratory dyspnoea with abdominal push in the cat: what to do
4-year-old Siamese queen with acute dyspnoea: she is open-mouth breathing, expiration is prolonged and there is a marked abdominal push at the end of expiration. Diffuse expiratory wheezes are heard.
What is the most appropriate initial management?
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A. Ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs to confirm the diagnosis before treating
Restraining a cat in crisis for radiographs can cause decompensation or death; stabilise first and radiograph later.
B. Intravenous furosemide for suspected pulmonary oedema
The expiratory pattern with wheezes localises the problem to the lower airways (feline asthma or bronchitis), not the parenchyma; a diuretic does not relieve bronchoconstriction and dehydrates.
C. Immediate bilateral thoracocentesis
Pleural disease produces a rapid, shallow pattern with muffled sounds, not expiratory effort with wheezes.
D. Oxygen with minimal handling, a bronchodilator (parenteral terbutaline or inhaled salbutamol) and a rapid-acting glucocorticoid
Correct. Expiratory effort with an abdominal push and wheezes indicates intrathoracic lower airway obstruction. Treat with stress-free oxygen, a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid, and postpone diagnostics.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Key patterns: slow, noisy inspiration = upper airway; expiratory with abdominal push = lower airways; rapid and shallow = pleural space; mixed with crackles = parenchyma. If the cause in a cat is unclear, a rapid ultrasound helps rule out effusion and heart disease before choosing treatment.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.