Medical management of primary tracheal collapse in a cat

Abstract A 2‐year‐old, neutered, female domestic shorthair cat was referred with 3‐day history of coughing and respiratory distress. At presentation, the cat had severe inspiratory dyspnoea. Thoracic radiographs, computed tomography, tracheobronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed. A grade II primary cervical tracheal collapse was diagnosed. The cat was discharged with co‐amoxiclav (at 22 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 15 days) and methylprednisolone (at 1 mg/kg orally every 24 hours), with the dose being gradually decreased over a period of 2 months. The clinical signs improved progressively, and 12 months later, no clinical signs were evident. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of a feline primary tracheal collapse treated without surgical intervention with an excellent clinical response.