Popeye coughs up the culprit

Sick cat laying down on a bed in a clinic

Patient details

Name: Popeye
Age: 14 years
Breed: Maine Coon
Gender: Male

Popeye was referred to CSS after developing a sudden cough, accompanied by nasal discharge and breathing difficulties. He hadn’t responded to treatment at his local vet and hadn’t eaten for four days.

CT imaging and a rhinoscopy revealed a large amount of purulent discharge in his nasal cavity, along with an unexpected finding deep in the nasopharynx. Hint – huge hairball!

Patient history

Early signs

On the day Popeye first became unwell, he started off fine in the morning, but by the time his owner returned from work, he was open-mouth breathing and struggling to stay upright. He was taken straight to AES, where he stayed for several days without improvement. Despite treatment with antibiotics and antiemetics, he stopped eating and developed thick yellow nasal discharge with ongoing upper respiratory signs.

Diagnosis and treatment

Popeye was transferred to CSS in March 2025 and admitted under the care of Dr Cindy Hung. Upon examination, a large amount of purulent and mucoid material was found in his nasal cavity, some of which was trickling down his trachea. A few visible strands of hair led the team to suspect that there could be more hidden within the discharge.
With repeated nasal flushing, most of the material was removed, and a hairball was successfully cleared from the nasal cavity, likely resulting from reverse migration after vomiting.

Outcome

Popeye improved quickly after the procedure. He started eating again that evening and was discharged the following day. Aside from a little coughing during recovery, he stayed bright and stable. He handled his hospitalisation calmly and was a cooperative, sweet patient.

Veterinarian on going operation to a cat

Are you worried about your cat’s health?

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.

Patient Stories

Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.

Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.

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Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

1300 228 377

1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119

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Saturday/Sunday - Closed