Abstract
Objective
To report the use of caffeine as a respiratory stimulant in a cat with hypoventilation.
Case summary
A cat was mechanically ventilated due to persistent hypercapnia (Petco
2 > 75 mm Hg) following median sternotomy and thymectomy. After 3 days of mechanical ventilatory support, the cat would initiate breaths but failed weaning due to persistent hypercapnia. Following administration of intravenous caffeine (total 12 mg/kg over 24 h), respiratory and mental status rapidly improved. The cat was subsequently extubated and able to maintain Pvco
2 < 50 mm Hg. The cat was later diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Quality of life 13 months after discharge was reported as excellent by her owner.
New or unique information provided
Caffeine may be considered as a respiratory stimulant in cats with hypoventilation.
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, EarlyView.Wiley: Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care: Table of Contents