Anaesthetic deaths in cats in practice

摘要

Recent work suggests anaesthetic deaths are more common in cats than dogs. Current estimates report t approximately 1 in 895 healthy cats die of an anaesthetic-related death, over twice that recently reported in dogs, with the early postoperative period being the highest risk period. Risk factors associated with death include patient health status, age and weight and procedure type and urgency. Endotracheal intubation and fluid therapy have also been associated with increased odds of anaesthetic death in cats and may reflect that these are higher risk procedures in cats compared to dogs. Pulse oximeter monitoring recently was reported to be associated with reduced risk of anaesthetic death. An awareness of these risk factors could help guide veterinary surgeons in their anaesthetic management of cats. In particular, greater attention to patient assessment and management prior to anaesthesia, as well as more careful fluid administration and monitoring during and after anaesthesia could help reduce perioperative complications in cats.