Respiratory improvement of aspiration pneumonia using high‐flow oxygen therapy in a cat

Abstract A 13‐year‐old neutered male cat was presented with acute paraparesis and severe thoracolumbar pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural paraspinal mass compressing the spinal cord. Surgery was performed, but 20 h post‐operatively, the cat developed severe respiratory distress consistent with aspiration pneumonia. Despite oxygen cage therapy and supportive treatment, including antibiotics, respiratory distress persisted. High‐flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) was initiated with an FiO 2 of 100% and a flow rate of 0.9 L/kg/min, with a dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion for mild sedation. Over the following 48 h, respiratory function improved substantially and the cat was subsequently weaned off HFOT and discharged in stable condition. This case highlights HFOT as an effective, non‐invasive option for managing aspiration pneumonia in cats unresponsive to conventional oxygen therapy. Given the limited data on HFOT in cats, this case contributes valuable insights, supporting the need for further research to establish HFOT protocols and evaluate safety in feline patients.