Smoke exposure in cats: 22 cases (1986-1997).
OBJECTIVE
To review clinical findings and clinical course for cats exposed to smoke in residential fires and to determine clinical variables that may have prognostic importance.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
22 cats admitted to our veterinary teaching hospital between 1986 and 1997 with a history of smoke exposure during a residential fire.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed for history, clinical signs, physical examination findings, changes in respiratory tract signs, initial hematologic analysis, treatment, results of thoracic radiography, and outcome.


RESULTS
Fifteen of 22 (68%) cats were categorized in the uncomplicated group, 5 (23%) in the complicated group, and 2 (9%) were discharged after a short period because of financial considerations. Twenty (91%) cats survived, but 2 (9%) were euthanatized because of severe respiratory compromise or neurologic changes. Predominant thoracic radiographic changes were diffuse interstitial pattern (6 cats) and focal alveolar pattern (5). The majority (8/13) of cats that were stable or had improved by the day after admission had an uncomplicated clinical course while hospitalized, whereas cats that were worse on the day after admission tended to have a complicated clinical course.


CONCLUSIONS
Cats that survive a residential fire and are admitted to a hospital have a good chance to be discharged. Cats that do not have signs of respiratory tract dysfunction at admission probably will not develop severe respiratory complications. For cats with signs of respiratory dysfunction at admission, better prognostic information will be determined by monitoring progression of the respiratory condition on the day after admission.
Drobatz
K J
KJ
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
Walker
L M
LM
Hendricks
J C
JC
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D002415:Cats; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D006760:Hospitalization; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015208:Smoke Inhalation Injury / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013997:Time Factors