Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat treated successfully after accidental lung infusion of bowel
By Mastrocco, Alicia et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2024·Department of Emergency and Critical Care, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Chemical pneumonitis secondary to accidental pulmonary polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution infusion in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat accidentally inhaled a bowel-cleansing solution, leading to chemical pneumonitis and breathing problems. After spending 10 days in the ICU, the cat received treatments including oxygen therapy, antibiotics, diuretics, and corticosteroids. Thankfully, the cat responded well to the treatment and was able to go home. This case highlights how careful management can help pets recover from serious lung injuries without needing invasive procedures.
People also search for: cat breathing problems treatment · chemical pneumonitis in cats · cat lung injury recovery · cat ICU treatment · polyethylene glycol aspiration in cats
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful conservative management of chemical pneumonitis and presumed acute respiratory distress syndrome in a cat secondary to inadvertent pulmonary polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ELS) instillation. CASE SUMMARY: PEG-ELS is commonly used in small animals for bowel cleansing and to treat constipation. There have been several instances of aspiration or accidental instillation of this solution into the lungs of both people and dogs. PEG-ELS was inadvertently infused into the lungs of the cat in the current report. After 10 days in the ICU, during which time treatment with oxygen therapy, antibiosis, diuretics, and corticosteroids was provided, the cat was successfully discharged. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of instillation of PEG-ELS in a cat resulting in chemical pneumonitis and lung injury. We describe the successful management of this condition with conservative management and without the need for invasive interventions such as bronchoscopy and lavage or mechanical ventilation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38696695/