Smoke inhalation in an 11 year old Siamese cat

Case Description -- An 11 year old, castrated male Siamese cat, presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) after being rescued from a house fire earlier that day. Supplemental oxygen was administered at the scene and was continued during transport to CUHA. Clinical Findings -- The cat was dyspneic, with tachypnea and open-mouth breathing, at the scene. Presenting signs included dyspnea, hypothermia, poor peripheral pulses, a smoky odor, and hyperemic conjunctiva. Blood gas analysis with co-oximetry revealed lactic acidosis and carboxyhemoglobinemia. Radiographic findings revealed a mild, diffuse airway pattern. Treatment and Outcome -- Response to treatment with oxygen and fluid therapy was good and the cat was discharged from the hospital in five days. Clinical Relevance -- This case study reviews signs associated with smoke inhalation, the pathogenesis of smoke inhalation injury, imaging and diagnostics, treatment and management options, and prognosis in cats suffering from smoke inhalation.