Abstract Feline panleukopenia (FP) is a fatal viral disease that predisposes cats to sepsis and organ failure. Owing to a wide variety of clinical findings, hematochemical examinations are significant for the determination of early signs of disease-related complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of certain hematochemical parameters together with quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) in cats with FP. A total of 10 healthy and 30 panleukopenic cats were included in this study. Physical examinations revealed that the body temperature was highest in septic panleukopenic cats (p < 0.009) and they had higher qSOFA scores (p = 0.000). Hemogram analysis revealed that leukocyte, lymphocyte, granulocyte, erythrocyte, and hemoglobin levels were lower in non-septic panleukopenic cats compared with the healthy ones (p < 0.030). Also, monocyte and mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels were lower in septic ones (p < 0.048). Serum biochemistry profiling revealed higher blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, and C-reactive protein levels in panleukopenic cats (p < 0.033). As a result, it was concluded that although the qSOFA is not sufficient to distinguish sepsis in cats, unlike dogs, in order to achieve a positive clinical outcome, when evaluated together with hematochemical variables, it may help in making early diagnosis of FP-related complications.

Abstract Cases of canine poisoning pose a great challenge to pet owners and veterinarians due to incomplete patient history, late/delayed presentation of pets and the large array of poisonous agents. A ten-year retrospective study on canine poisoning cases presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize animal signalment, mode, month and year of exposure, severity, treatment and outcome. Associations between explanatory demographic characteristics of patients (age, sex and breed) with poison type and route of exposure were determined using a binary logistic regression model. Fifty-two case records with poisoning history and complete data were reviewed. The study population consisted of twenty males and thirty-two females between two months and five years of age. Poisonous agents that were identified included insecticides/acaricides (83%), cleaning products (2%), rodenticides (4%) and snake venom (6%). Poisoning occurred more in Alsatians, especially during the rainy season. No association between the dog demographics with type of poisoning and route of exposure was observed (p>0.05). There were 4 fatalities and 48 recoveries. This study highlights the heterogeneity of poisonous agents, associated clinical signs, treatment and outcome, and the challenges involved in poison control. Standardized approaches for the collection, assessment, integration of poisoning data and risk management is needed.