Hydrocortisone therapy in a cat with vasopressor-refractory septic shock and suspected critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency

Pisano, Simone R. R.; Howard, Judith; Posthaus, Horst; Kovacevic, Alan; Yozova, Ivayla D.

Three months later, the cat was presented because of acute lethargy in lateral recumbency with a rectal temperature of 91.4°F (33.1°C) and dehydration. Emergency blood work revealed a high packed cell volume (58%; RI, 27-47%) and total solids (11.6 g/dL [116 g/L]; RI, 5.5-7.6 g/dL [55-76 g/L]), elevated plasma creatinine . Venous blood gas analysis revealed acidemia (pH, 7.13), metabolic acidosis (bicarbonate, 12.8 mmol/L), and hyperlactatemia (68.5 mg/dL [7.6 mmol/L]). The cat was treated with IV crystalloids supplemented with dextrose but suffered cardiopulmonary arrest within a few hours of presentation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was not attempted as the owner had requested a do not resuscitate order.