Evaluation of clinicopathologic characteristics in 84 cats with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) characterized by high mortality in cats has a requirement of emergency care. Problems in tissue oxygenation cause physical and mental distress resulting in acute death. The purpose of the study presented here was to evaluate clinicopathologic characteristics in cats with ARDS. Study was performed in 84 cats with acute respiratory distress and tachypnea. Capillary refill time, respiratory rate, dehydration, mucosal color, heart and lung auscultation with the signalment and anamnesis were also provided immediately. Blood analyses and diagnostic applications were performed for differential diagnosis. Of cats enrolled into the study (n:84), 55 was defined as emergency cases and supported by supplemental oxygenation. Blood analyses in 71 cats, thorax graphies in 68 cats, echocardiography in 22 cats and thoracocentesis in 3 cats were applied. Of 84 cats with dyspnea, in 65 (77.38 %) non-cardiogenic etiologies, in 19 (22.62 %) cardiogenic reasons were determined. In conclusion, acute respiratory distress syndrome would result from lots of clinicopathologic etiologies and cause acute respiratory arrest until fast diagnosis and therapy supplied