Surgical Treatment of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in a British Breed Cat Using Bilateral Wedge Resection of the Dorsolateral Nasal Cartilage

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a disorder associated with anatomical abnormalities of the upper airway and is commonly observed in brachycephalic dog breeds. Although it is well documented in dogs, the prevalence of BOAS in cats and the available data regarding surgical treatment approaches remain limited. This case report describes the surgical management of BOAS caused by stenotic nares in a British breed cat using bilateral wedge resection of the dorsolateral nasal cartilage. The patient was presented to the clinic with complaints of respiratory distress and open-mouth breathing during sleep. According to the history, the condition had been present for an extended period. Clinical examination revealed severe stenosis of the nostrils. Radiographic and computed tomographic evaluations confirmed marked narrowing of the nasal openings. Preoperative complete blood count and biochemical analyses revealed no evidence of systemic pathology. During surgery, bilateral wedge resection of the dorsolateral nasal cartilage was performed to allow abduction of the nasal alae and to reduce resistance to inspiratory airflow. No postoperative complications were observed, and the cat demonstrated marked clinical improvement. In conclusion, bilateral wedge resection of the dorsolateral nasal cartilage appears to be an effective and safe technique for the correction of stenotic nares in cats. Appropriate patient selection and careful surgical planning are essential to achieve rapid and sustained improvement in respiratory function.