Clinical evaluation of cats with severe sepsis and septic shock admitted to Intensive Care Unit in HOVET-USP from 2011 to 2016

• Grant number: 16/05434-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2016
• End date: June 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Silvia Renata Gaido Cortopassi
• Grantee: Yumi Hirai
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Defined as the systemic inflammatory response secondary to infection, sepsis is a challenge not only in Medicine, but also in Veterinary Medicine due to its high morbidity and mortality. The few previous studies have indicated that cats with sepsis may have lethargy, pale mucous membranes, diffuse abdominal pain, tachypnea, bradycardia, weak pulse, anemia, hypoalbuminenia, hypothermia and icterus. However, cats seem to have unique presentations such as bradycardia even at the hypodynamic phase of sepsis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical manifestations presented by cats with sepsis. We will evaluate the data of physical examination and laboratory tests of cats with severe sepsis and septic shock admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Veterinary Hospital of University of São Paulo from 2011 to 2016 (group of cats with sepsis - GS). The physical examination data will include heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, rectal temperature, capillary refill time, color of mucous membranes, degree of hydration and sign of pain on abdominal palpation. Laboratory tests will cover complete blood count and serum biochemistry. Data from other 20 healthy cats will be used as control (group of healthy cats - GH).