title: Retrospective analysis of clinical findings and outcome of cats with suspected rattlesnake envenomation in Southern California: 18 cases (2007-2010).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate treatment and survival rates of cats with suspected rattlesnake envenomation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Veterinary emergency referral hospital in Southern California.
  
  
  METHODS
  Client-owned animals.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen cats were treated for suspected rattlesnake envenomation between January 2007 and August 2010. There were 3 fatalities and 15 cats survived (16% mortality rate). Two cases developed pelvic limb paresis 3-4 days post envenomation. There were no apparent adverse reactions to treatment with antivenom.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cats are presented infrequently for treatment of envenomation compared to dogs. Envenomation in cats should be treated according to guidelines established for people and dogs and administration of antivenom does not appear to be associated with adverse events. The mortality rate in this study was found to be 16%, which is higher than the mortality rate reported for dogs suspected of rattlesnake envenomation in a similar region (4.1%). Pelvic limb paresis may develop 3-4 days post envenomation but can resolve within 24 hours.
authors: California Veterinary Specialists, Murrieta, Ontario and Carlsbad, CA 91761, USA. hoosejen@yahoo.com
authors: Jennifer A
authors: JA
authors: Hoose
authors: Amy
authors: A
authors: Carr
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000997:Antivenins