Techniques for Nebulization and Coupage in Cats

Nebulization and coupage are two techniques used in the treatment of lung disease.

What is nebulization?

Nebulization is a term used to describe the delivery of a fine mist to the lungs. In some cases, this fine mist may consist of saline or water only. Saline or water adds moisture to the lungs, which can aid in loosening secretions.

In other cases, nebulization may be used to deliver medications directly to the lung tissues. 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 a variety of medications to the lungs, in cases of infection, allergic lung disease, or other lung conditions. In other cases, nebulization with steam or saline can help loosen secretions by adding moisture to the lungs and upper airway.

Coupage is often recommended for patients with pneumonia or bronchitis. Secretions produced as a result of these conditions can interfere the ability of oxygen to reach the lower airway and enter the bloodstream. By loosening secretions and allowing them to be coughed up more effectively, coupage can help clear secretions from the lungs.

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. This is used to increase 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 – hot enough to allow your bathroom to fill with steam. Once the bathroom is steam-filled, keep your cat in the room for 10-15 minutes to allow her to breathe the moisture-laden air. This may be performed once daily or more, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations. Steam nebulization may also be followed by coupage, if recommended by your veterinarian.

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend the use of a nebulizer to deliver aerosolized medications to your cat’s lungs. Water and medication are added in specified quantities to a machine that is used to deliver the vaporized medication to your cat for breathing. Your cat will breathe from the nebulizer for a specified 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?

First, you may wish to place your cat on a table or elevated surface so that you can comfortably reach her chest.

Next, cup your hand and pat the side of your cat’s chest. Use one hand and do one side at a time. When you pat your cat’s chest, there should be a small amount of air remaining between your palm and the side of the chest; your palm should not flatten against the body wall. This impact should make a sound similar to drumbeats. The impact should be firm enough to loosen fluid that may be trapped deep within the lungs, but not so hard as to cause pain or discomfort for your cat.

Gradually work your way around your cat’s entire chest, coupaging each area 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 regarding how frequently coupage should be performed. Additionally, coupage should not be performed immediately after eating; wait at least 1-2 hours after a meal before performing coupage.