Toxpath Case 5: Thomas

It is early spring and you are working on the necropsy floor. A 4 year old cat comes in for necropsy.

Submitted History

Presented to the VMC yesterday for acute ataxia that progressed to recumbency. Was last seen acting normally yesterday morning. Cat is an indoor/outdoor cat living on an acreage. No previous medical history.

Thomas was severely dehydrated, bradycardic, and minimally responsive upon presentation. Both third eyelids were prolapsed and there was no palpebral reflex or menace response. Urinary bladder was small and empty. Bloodwork findings:

  • Elevated BUN
  • Elevated creatinine
  • Elevated glucose
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Elevated lactate
  • Elevated anion gap
  • Low pH
  • Low bicarbonate

Elected to euthanize and submit to PDS.

Necropsy Findings
Examined a 4 year old male neutered cat. No significant findings were noted in the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, or brain.

What organ system(s) are affected?

Select up to three primary clinical findings from this case.

Primary Clinical Findings
Abortion Bradycardia
Cardiac damage Coagulopathy
Cystitis Gastritis/gastroenteritis
Hemolysis Hepatic failure
Lameness Lethargy
Methemoglobinemia Myopathy
Renal failure Salivation
Seizures Tachycardia
Teratogenesis Weakness

Notes