Tzirinis C. DVM, Intern in Anaesthesia and Analgesia intern Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Zapridis V. DVM, mRCVS, resident ECVAA, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Anagnostou T. DVM, PhD, DipECVAA Professor of Anaesthesiology and ICU, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
The aim of the study is to report the risks faced when anaesthetising cats with pectus excavatum (PE) for intra-abdominal procedures. PE is a congenital anomaly of the chest wall. PE can cause significant risk to the respiratory function due to restrictive lung disease. Cardiac effects result directly from impaired cardiac output or the presence of other congenital abnormalities. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the anaesthetic management of a cat with PE.
Clinical case
A female, 1 year old cat, weighing 2.6 kg presented for ovariohysterectomy with a diagnosed PE. On presentation the cat was tachypneic and classified as ASA 3. Premedication was performed with intramuscular administration of acepromazine 30μg/kg and pethidine 3mg/kg. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous administration of propofol 3mg/ kg and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Intraoperatively, the use of a ventilator and intravenous administration of dopamine were necessary.
Results
The cat recovered successfully, was hospitalized 2 days for analgesia and was discharged. Observed complications were intraoperative hypotension, decreased tidal volume and low O2 partial pressure (PaO2) in arterial blood gas analysis.
Conclusions
Cats with PE face an increased anesthetic risk. They can undergo general anesthesia safely, but qualified staff and the appropriate equipment are required.
