The uniqueness of the cat and general management

Question 1

Explain which specificities of feline metabolism reflect the most commonly seen toxicological emergencies

Answer 1

The toxicological emergencies seen most commonly in cats reflect in part their unique metabolism:
- susceptibility of their red cells to oxidative injury
- reduced hepatic capacity for certain key metabolic process such as glucuronidation

Question 2

What feline behavioral characteristics may influence the toxins to which cats are exposed

Answer 2

Feline behavioral characteristics of intensive grooming and their investigative nature may influence the toxins to which they are most commonly exposed

Question 3

What are the classical signs observed in cats with severe shock

Answer 3

Cats with severe shock of any etiology tend to show:
- inappropriate bradycardia (HR 100-140 bpm)
- hypothermia
- poor pulse quality
- pale mucous membranes
- prolonged capillary refill time

Question 4

What type of fluid therapy should be started if the cat is hypovolemic

Answer 4

If the cat is hypovolemic (secondary to intravascular fluid loss or vasodilation), IV fluid therapy should be instigated in form of multiple small incremental boluses
- 10 ml/kg isotonic crystalloid over 30 min

Question 5

How would you proceed a dermal decontamination

Answer 5

Removal of any excess material from the haircoat and skin to prevent further absorption

Bath the cat:
- wear gloves
- water temperature needs to be as close as possible to normal body temperature
- the patient should be actively dried

Question 6

How would you proceed a gastrointestinal decontamination

Answer 6

With suspected oral toxin ingestion, the induction of emesis is recommended unless:
- the substance was ingested more than 4h prior to presentation
- the cat has severe CNS depression
- the ingested substance is caustic, acidic or petroleum-based

In the cat, the most reliable emetic agent is considered to be xylazinz at 0.44 mg/kg, IM

Question 7

How would you perform a gastric lavage

Answer 7

The cat should be anesthetised and a cuffed endotracheal tube placed

The cat should be placed in right lateral recumbency with the head slightly below the level of the thorax/stomach

A tube with a multi-fenestrated end is advanced into the stomach

Small amounts of warm water (5-10 ml/kg) are then instilled into and retrieved from the same tube until water returning from the stomach is clear and free of stomach contents

Question 8

Which toxic are not absorbed by activated charcoal

Answer 8

Ethylen glycol and alcoholic substances