Retrospective evaluation of cats with elapid snake envenomation associated neurotoxicity requiring mechanical ventilation: 12 cases (2005-2014).

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively determine the population and outcome characteristics of a cohort of Australian elapid snake envenomed cats requiring mechanical ventilation (MV).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study (2005-2014).

SETTING

Academic veterinary emergency and critical care service.

ANIMALS

Twelve cats undergoing MV for elapid snake envenomation.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The medical records were searched to identify cats requiring MV as part of treatment for elapid snake envenomation. Signalment, the indication for, duration of and complications associated with MV, duration of hospitalization, and survival to hospital discharge were recorded for each of the enrolled cases. Seven cats (58.3%) underwent MV because of presumed unsustainable respiratory effort and 5 cats (41.7%) for respiratory arrest. Eleven cats (91.7%) were successfully weaned from MV and survived to hospital discharge. No cats developed ventilator associated pneumonia or pneumothorax. The median duration of MV was 19.5 hours for the survivors (range 7.0-37.0 hours) and median duration of hospitalization was 3.5 days (range 2.4-14.9 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Cats requiring MV for elapid snake envenomation have a favorable outcome and require a relatively short period of MV. Complications encountered are unlikely to influence outcome.