Retrospective evaluation of the effectiveness of xylazine for inducing emesis in cats: 48 cats (2011-2015).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of xylazine for the induction of emesis in cats that were suspected of ingesting potentially toxic substances or foreign objects.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Private emergency and specialty referral hospital.

ANIMALS

Forty-eight client-owned cats that were administered xylazine to induce emesis for decontamination of a toxic substance or expulsion of an ingested foreign object.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The medical records of 48 cats presenting for known or suspected ingestion of foreign material that underwent decontamination with xylazine were reviewed. Signalment, material ingested, dose and route of xylazine administration, success of emesis and recovery of foreign material ingested, use of a reversal agent, and adverse effects were noted. The induction of emesis was successful in 29/48 (60%) of cats. Sedation was the most common adverse effect and was noted in 15/48 (31%) of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Xylazine is safe and reasonably effective at inducing emesis in cats.