What is nebulization?
Nebulization is the delivery of a fine mist to the lungs. In some cases, this fine mist may consist of saline or water only. Saline and water add moisture to the lungs, which can help loosen secretions. In other cases, nebulization may be used to deliver medications directly to the lung tissue. Commonly nebulized medications include anti-inflammatories (such as steroids, which are used in the treatment of allergic airway disease), bronchodilators (which increase the diameter of the airways, allowing air to be moved more easily through the lung), and antibiotics (used in cases of infection).
What is coupage?
Coupage is a technique that can be performed by veterinary staff and pet owners to help clear secretions from the lungs. Coupage is performed by striking the chest gently but firmly with cupped hands. This action helps loosen secretions trapped in the lower airways, allowing them to be more effectively cleared by coughing.
When are nebulization and coupage used?
Nebulization and coupage are used in patients with a variety of lung conditions. Nebulization may be used to deliver medications to the lungs, in cases of infection, allergic lung disease, or other lung conditions like smoke inhalation. Coupage is often recommended for patients with pneumonia or bronchitis. Secretions produced because of these conditions can interfere with oxygen reaching the lower airway and entering the bloodstream. Coupage can help clear secretions from the lungs by loosening secretions and allowing them to be coughed up more effectively.
How do I perform nebulization on my cat?
Nebulization may take several forms, depending on your cat’s needs. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend steam nebulization, which increases moisture in the lungs, allowing your cat to clear secretions more effectively.
- Take your cat into your bathroom, close the door, close any windows, and turn off any vent fans.
- Run a hot shower so your bathroom fills with steam.
- Once the bathroom is steam-filled, keep your cat in the room for 10 to 15 minutes to allow them to breathe the moisture-laden air.
You can do this procedure once daily or more often, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations. Steam nebulization may also be followed by coupage if your veterinarian recommends it.
In other cases, your veterinarian may recommend using a nebulizer to deliver aerosolized medications to your cat’s lungs. Water and medication are added in specified quantities to a machine that delivers the vaporized medication to your cat. Your cat will breathe from the nebulizer for a certain number of breaths on a specific schedule. After each use, the machine must be shut down and cleaned as directed.
How do I perform coupage on my cat?
Follow these steps to perform coupage on your cat:
- Choose an appropriate time to do the procedure. Coupage should not be performed immediately after eating; wait at least one to two hours after a meal.
- You may wish to place your cat on a table or elevated surface so that you can comfortably reach their chest.
- Cup your hand so that a small amount of air remains between your palm and the side of their chest.
- Use your cupped hand to pat the side of your cat’s chest.
- Use one hand and do one side at a time.
- Make sure your palm does not flatten against the body wall.
- The impact should sound like a drum and should be firm enough to loosen fluid trapped deep in the lungs but not hard enough to cause your cat pain or discomfort.
- Gradually work your way around your cat’s chest, coupaging all areas of the chest on both sides of the body.
This procedure should take only a few minutes. After coupage, encourage your cat to get up and walk around, as activity will promote coughing and help your cat to bring up the loosened secretions. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on how often you should perform coupage on your cat.
