Successful correction of stenotic nares using combined Alar Fold Lift-Up and Sulcus Pull-Down Techniques in brachycephalic cats: 8 cases (2017–2022)

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE Describe surgical guidelines for a new technique to correct stenotic nares in brachycephalic cats. ANIMALS 8 client-owned brachycephalic cats with stenotic nares between April 2017 and July 2022. PROCEDURES 8 brachycephalic cats with severe stenotic nares presented to the Angell Animal Medical Center with the patient age ranging from 2 years to 9 years of age. Surgical correction was performed on each cat with the combined use of the “Alar Fold Lift-Up” and “Sulcus Pull-Down” techniques. RESULTS Successful correction of the stenotic nares was achieved, enabling each cat to breathe normally. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The combined use of the “Alar Fold Lift-Up” and “Sulcus Pull-Down” techniques is simple to perform on an outpatient basis. Surgery is restricted to the adjacent skin and does not require the surgical alteration of the external nose or nares. Long-term follow-up indicates the procedure is effective in improving nasal breathing in each cat.