Work

Administration of porcine surfactant in the treatment of a fatal case of acute respiratory distress syndrome in a cat with calicivirus pneumonia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Case summary A 1-year-old, male neutered Persian cat presented to the emergency room with acute, severe wheezing and coughing after the introduction of a new kitten to the household. The patient progressed to hypoxemic respiratory failure consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and required mechanical ventilation. RT-PCR testing from a conjunctival and deep pharyngeal swab confirmed feline calicivirus infection. Because of refractory hypoxemia and declining lung compliance (2.4 ml/cmH 2 O), novel therapy with intratracheal porcine surfactant (Curosurf) was attempted. A dose of 1.5 ml/kg was administered over 60 s. After administration, pulmonary compliance improved to 3.1 ml/cmH 2 O. The patient was weaned from the ventilator on day 10; however, severe laryngeal swelling necessitated a temporary tracheostomy. The patient died on day 15 from tracheal stenosis and obstruction of the stoma site by granulation tissue. Relevance and novel information To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing the development of ARDS from calicivirus pneumonia and the use of porcine surfactant in the treatment of ARDS in a cat. The administration of surfactant resulted in objective improvements in lung compliance.

Source: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports

DOI: 10.1177/20551169261448246

Authors: William Case Hillier, Elizabeth A Rozanski, Stephanie Maciorowski, Clare Timothy

Institution: Tufts University

Language: English

Topic: Respiratory Support and Mechanisms

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $700