This article focuses on the 3 most commonly used rodenticide types: anticoagulants, bromethalin, and cholecalciferol. It is important to verify the active ingredient in any rodenticide exposure. Many owners use the term D-con to refer to any rodenticide regardless of the brand or type of rodenticide. The Environmental Protection Agency released their final ruling on rodenticide risk mitigation measures in 2008 and all products sold had to be compliant by June 2011, changing to consumer products containing either first-generation anticoagulants or nonanticoagulants, including bromethalin and cholecalciferol. These regulations have caused an increase in the number of bromethalin and cholecalciferol cases.
OBJECTIVE
To describe findings, determine the rate of survival to hospital discharge, and identify prognostic indicators of poor outcomes for female cats (queens) with pyometra treated with ovariohysterectomy (OHE) in a nonspecialized setting.
ANIMALS
134 queens with pyometra diagnosed between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019.
PROCEDURES
The medical records were retrospectively searched and data including patient history, clinical signs, blood work results, and outcome (survival to hospital discharge, length of hospitalization, and uterine rupture) were collected from medical records. Logistic regression models were used to assess potential predictors of outcomes.
RESULTS
Dehydration (69% [83/121]) and absolute neutrophilia (83% [52/63]) were commonly reported. The rate of survival to hospital discharge was 100% (126/126; 95% CI, 97% to 100%) for queens treated with OHE; 33% (41/126) were hospitalized ≥ 2 nights, and 4% (5/120) had uterine rupture. Queens with abnormal serum ionized calcium concentration or signs of depressed mentation had greater odds (OR of 4.64 and 2.26, respectively) of ≥ 2 nights’ hospitalization. Queens with high rectal temperature, closed pyometra, or heart murmur had greater odds (OR of 35.66, 17.37, or 16.06, respectively) of uterine rupture.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Our findings indicated that OHE for pyometra in queens was highly successful even when performed in a nonspecialty hospital with high-quality basic supportive care, and we believe most general practitioners who offer OHE could expect to see similar outcomes. With more general-practice veterinarians comfortable treating pyometra in their clinics, OHE for pyometra will be available to more pets, ultimately saving more lives.
Objective: To discuss the clinical presentation and necropsy findings of 2 cats after topical administration of a minoxidil solution. Additionally, a potential management plan is offered for future cases.
Case summary: Two cats with dermal exposure to topical minoxidil solution were identified from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) files. Both cats were presented with lethargy and dyspnea within 36 hours of exposure. The cats were hypothermic, and had pulmonary edema and pleural effusion present on thoracic radiography. Both cats died despite supportive care. Necropsy of both cats confirmed pleural effusion and pulmonary edema and indicated cardiac compromise.
New or unique information provided: Topical administration of minoxidil solution may cause life‐threatening pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, and cardiac dysfunction in the cat.
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