Smoke inhalation in a domestic shorthair cat

Abstract

A 7-year-old female spayed Domestic Shorthair cat was involved in a house fire approximately 6 hours before presentation to Cornell. Physical exam and diagnostic testing revealed a respiratory acidosis, hypercapnea, laryngeal and pulmonary edema, and thermal keratitis. Treatment was comprised of oxygen supplementation, terbutaline, nebulization, topical antibiotics and lubricants for the corneal ulcers, and buprenorphine for pain. The patient recovered over the course of several days. This clinical report will provide a brief overview of the treatment, pathophysiology, and possible sequelae of smoke inhalation.