Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Caffeine helped a cat breathe better after surgery and breathing
By Kennedy, Christopher R et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2022·Foster Hospital for Small Animals, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The use of caffeine as a respiratory stimulant in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with breathing problems was put on a ventilator after surgery but struggled to breathe on her own. After three days, she still couldn't breathe well enough to be taken off the ventilator, so the vet gave her caffeine through an IV. This treatment quickly helped her breathe better, and she was able to come off the ventilator. Later, she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (a condition that affects muscle strength), but her owner reported that she was doing excellently 13 months later.
People also search for: cat breathing problems treatment · caffeine for cat respiratory issues · myasthenia gravis in cats
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report the use of caffeine as a respiratory stimulant in a cat with hypoventilation. CASE SUMMARY: A cat was mechanically ventilated due to persistent hypercapnia (Pco > 75 mm Hg) following median sternotomy and thymectomy. After 3 days of mechanical ventilatory support, the cat would initiate breaths but failed weaning due to persistent hypercapnia. Following administration of intravenous caffeine (total 12 mg/kg over 24 h), respiratory and mental status rapidly improved. The cat was subsequently extubated and able to maintain Pvco < 50 mm Hg. The cat was later diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Quality of life 13 months after discharge was reported as excellent by her owner. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Caffeine may be considered as a respiratory stimulant in cats with hypoventilation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35212127/