How To Alleviate Rapid Breathing In Cats

Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis is a medical procedure used to eliminate a condition called pleural effusion, which is an accumulation of fluid inside your cat's chest cavity that is not considered normal. The fluid is not in the lungs like it would be during pneumonia. Instead, it gathers in the pleural sac, meaning your kitty's lungs are floating in fluid within their chest, and they are unable to expand fully because the fluid is occupying too much room.

Thoracentesis is used as both a treatment and a diagnostic tool. The samples taken can be used to determine the cause of the effusion. At the same time, the withdrawal of fluid will at once give your cat some relief from their discomfort. The vet performs the procedure by inserting a sterile needle directly into your cat’s chest cavity and drawing out the offending fluid. Depending on the reason for the pleural effusion, this may alleviate any breathing issues completely, or additional treatment may be required.

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