ANSWER: A cat that is so tachypnoeic may be very unstable so should be moved to a quiet area, and oxygen provided before attempting further diagnostic tests. Depending on the response an IV catheter may be placed, and sedation with butorphanol may be required. EMLA can be used prior to catheter placement. Consider stress and noise around the cat and balance observation vs stress of busier areas of the clinic. After putting the cat in an oxygen cage and moving all other animals into another area to reduce stress, his respiratory rate settles a little, he stops mouth breathing, calms down and you can observe the respiratory pattern. It is rapid and shallow, with equal inspiratory and expiratory phases. He has stopped open-mouth breathing. QUESTION 2: What are the most likely causes of this respiratory pattern and why? > Go to next page for answers