Alpha-chloralose poisoning in 25 cats: clinical picture and evaluation of treatment with intravenous lipid emulsion

Abstract

Objectives The aims of this study were to describe the clinical picture and progression in cats with alpha-chloralose (AC) intoxication and to determine if treatment with intravenous (IV) lipid emulsion (ILE) influenced either the serum concentration of AC or the clinical signs. Methods Cats with suspected AC poisoning admitted to a university small animal hospital were included. The cats were randomised into two groups: one receiving 20% ILE at a dose of 300 mg/kg as a 2 min bolus, followed by a 1500 mg/kg continuous rate infusion over 30 mins (IL+ group) and the other receiving IV fluid therapy with Ringer's acetate (IL- group). Serum samples were drawn at 0, 2, 12 and 24 h after admission. Samples were tested for AC with a novel validated, quantitative, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Vital and predefined clinical signs were noted at the times of sampling and patients were scored using a previously described intoxication severity score. Telephone interviews were conducted after discharge to assess outcome. Results A total of 25 cats were enrolled: 13 cats in the IL+ group and 12 in the IL- group. The most common clinical signs at presentation were tremor (n = 22, 88.0%), cranial nerve deficits (n = 20, 80.0%) and bradycardia (n = 19, 76.0%). No significant difference in AC concentration or change in intoxication score over time was found between the IL+ and IL- groups at any time point (P >0.05). All cats recovered within 72 h. Conclusions and relevance ILE did not have any effect on the AC serum concentration or clinical signs in AC-poisoned cats. All cats survived until follow-up. In cats with an acute onset of the described neurological signs, AC intoxication is an important differential diagnosis with an excellent prognosis.

Keywords

Alpha-chloralose; poisoning; intoxication; Intralipid; intravenous lipid emulsion; rodenticide

Published in

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
2024, volume: 26, number: 4, article number: 1098612X241235776
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD

SLU Authors

• Lundgren, Sandra

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Awake Djursjukhus

• Engdahl, Karolina

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Tegner, Cecilia

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Clinical Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X241235776

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/130961