Abstract
Objective
To describe suspected adverse drug reactions in cats associated with use of α2-adrenoceptor agonists.
Study design
Retrospective study.
Animals
A total of 90 cats.
Methods
Data were collected from reports on adverse reactions to veterinary medicines sent
to the Finnish Medicines Agency during 2003–2013. All reports of suspected adverse
reactions associated with use of α2-adrenoceptor agonists in cats were included. Probable pulmonary oedema was diagnosed
based on post mortem or radiological examination, or presence of frothy or excess fluid from the nostrils
or trachea. If only dyspnoea and crackles on auscultation were reported, possible
pulmonary oedema was presumed.
Results
Pulmonary oedema was suspected in 61 cases. Of these cats, 37 were categorised as
probable and 24 as possible pulmonary oedema. The first clinical signs had been noted
between 1 minute and 2 days (median, 15 minutes) after α2-adrenoceptor agonist administration. Many cats probably had no intravenous overhydration
when the first clinical signs were detected, as either they presumably had no intravenous
cannula or the signs appeared before, during or immediately after cannulation. Of
the 61 cats, 43 survived, 14 died and for four the outcome was not clearly stated.
Conclusions and clinical relevance
Pulmonary oedema is a perilous condition that may appear within minutes of an intramuscular
administration of sedative or anaesthetic agent in cats. The symptoms were not caused
by intravenous overhydration, at least in cats having no venous cannula when the first
clinical signs were detected.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 01, 2017
Accepted:
July 6,
2016
Received in revised form:
June 14,
2016
Received:
February 23,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
