Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2397653 | Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery | 2011 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
Anesthetic-associated death (AAD) in cats is infrequent, but occurs far more frequently than in people. Post-mortem investigations of AAD in cats are uncommon, and results only sporadically published. Here we report the findings in 54 cases of AAD in cats. Significant gross and/or microscopic pre-existing disease, including pulmonary, cardiac, and systemic disease, was detected in 33% of cases. Pulmonary disease was most frequently diagnosed (24% of cases), and included cases of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection (9% of cases). Heart disease, including two cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, was less frequent (11% of cases). Four percent died from surgical complications. No significant gross or microscopic disease was detected in 63% of cases. Additional studies are needed to determine if these findings are representative of AAD in cats in other geographic areas or with access to veterinary care. This study demonstrates that post-mortem investigation of AADs is an important and worthwhile endeavor.
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Authors
Jodie A. DVM, Margaret R. DVM, PhD, Kathleen V. DVM, Andrea L. DVM, DACVA, Leslie D. DVM, Nicole M. CVT, Sean P. DVM, PhD, DACVP,