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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Cat recovers fully after cardiac arrest from air embolism during IV

By Pacifico, Nicole et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2010·Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Full recovery after cardiac arrest secondary to accidental iatrogenic venous air embolism in a cat.

Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

A 3-year-old female domestic shorthair cat went into cardiac arrest after accidentally receiving air through an IV during a chemotherapy treatment. The veterinary team quickly performed CPR, which successfully revived her. After five days of care, she was sent home and has been doing well for the past seven months. This case highlights the importance of prompt action in emergencies like this one, and it shows that recovery is possible even after serious incidents.

People also search for: cat cardiac arrest treatment · cat chemotherapy complications · air embolism in cats

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful management of cardiac arrest following accidental venous air embolism (VAE) in a cat. CASE SUMMARY: A 3-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat, weighing 4 kg, was presented for continuation of its chemotherapy protocol. The cat was inadvertently administered approximately 5.5 mL of air IV during initiation of fluid therapy. Immediate cardiac arrest resulted and CPR successfully achieved return of spontaneous circulation. The cat was discharged 5 days later and is reportedly clinically normal 7 months post-discharge. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: VAE has been rarely reported in the veterinary literature. This is the first report of a cat surviving cardiac arrest secondary to VAE.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20487256/