Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Anaphylaxis in cats within 4 hours of eye antibiotic use
By Hume-Smith, Karen M et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2011·Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Anaphylactic events observed within 4 h of ocular application of an antibiotic-containing ophthalmic preparation: 61 cats (1993-2010).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) shortly after receiving an antibiotic eye drop for a common eye issue. This reaction occurred within 10 minutes of the treatment, and most of the affected cats were otherwise healthy before the incident. The eye drops contained a combination of antibiotics, including polymyxin B, which was present in all cases. Fortunately, about 82% of the cats survived after receiving appropriate treatment. This highlights the importance of using eye medications only when necessary and monitoring pets closely after administration.
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Abstract
This study describes signalment, history, antibiotic administered, clinical signs observed, therapy, and outcome of anaphylactic events within 4 h following ophthalmic administration of an antibiotic to cats. Data came from survey responses (45 cats) or Federal Drug Administration reports (16 cats). Cat age (7 weeks-19 years), breed, and gender ranged widely. Most were healthy (87%) prior to anaphylaxis. Ophthalmic antibiotics commonly were administered for conjunctival (65%) or corneal (11%) disease, or ocular lubrication (7%) and contained bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B (44%), or oxytetracycline and polymyxin B (21%). Polymyxin B was present in all cases. Vaccines or other drugs were also administered to 51% of cats. In 56% cases, anaphylaxis occurred within 10 min of drug application. Most (82%) cats survived. Although a causal association was not proved, ophthalmic antibiotic administration preceded anaphylaxis in all cats. Like other drugs, ophthalmic antibiotics should be used only when indicated.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21906985/