Severe sepsis in cats: 29 cases (1986-1998).
OBJECTIVE
To document the clinical, clinicopathologic, and pathologic findings in cats with severe sepsis, identify abnormalities unique to this species, and identify criteria that could be used antemortem to diagnose the systemic inflammatory response syndrome in cats.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
29 cats confirmed to have severe sepsis at necropsy.


METHODS
Pertinent history, physical examination findings, and results of hematologic and biochemical testing were extracted from medical records.


RESULTS
Clinical diagnoses included pyothorax, septic peritonitis, bacteremia secondary to gastrointestinal tract disease, pneumonia, endocarditis, pyelonephritis, osteomyelitis, pyometra, and bite wounds. Physical examination findings included lethargy, pale mucous membranes, poor pulse quality, tachypnea, hypo- or hyperthermia, signs of diffuse pain on abdominal palpation, bradycardia, and icterus. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included anemia, thrombocytopenia, band neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, low serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and hyperbilirubinemia. Necropsy findings included multi-organ necrosis or inflammation with intralesional bacteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that severe sepsis in cats is characterized by lethargy, pale mucous membranes, signs of diffuse abdominal pain, tachypnea, bradycardia, weak pulses, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypothermia, and icterus. Recognition of this combination of clinical findings should facilitate the diagnosis of severe sepsis in cats.
Brady
C A
CA
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Otto
C M
CM
Van Winkle
T J
TJ
King
L G
LG
D000818:Animals; D001344:Autopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D007249:Inflammation / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary