Safety and efficacy of high-dose fomepizole compared with ethanol as therapy for ethylene glycol intoxication in cats.

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of high-dose fomepizole compared with ethanol (EtOH) in cats with ethylene glycol (EG) toxicosis.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: University veterinary research laboratory.

Cytology and fluid analysis of the acute abdomen.

In patients with acute abdominal pain, abdominal paracentesis and diagnostic peritoneal lavage often yield fluid samples for cytologic and biochemical evaluation. Cytology of the effusion from a patient with acute abdominal disease can be a crucial tool for the rapid diagnosis necessary for initiation of timely and appropriate therapy. Appropriate sample collection, handling, and preparation are essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Critical care monitoring considerations for the diabetic patient.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disease encountered in the emergency and critical care setting. The diabetic Ketoacidotic (DKA) animal represents an extreme of the DM patient with regard to hyperglycemia and acid-base and electrolyte derangements. Prompt diagnosis of DKA in a critical patient and rapid initiation of appropriate therapy are necessary for a positive outcome.