Procedimento operacional padrão: abordagem emergencial do paciente felino dispneico

Abstract

Cats exhibit a behavior of concealing clinical manifestations until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Therefore, when a patient is admitted to emergency care presenting with increased respiratory rate, respiratory effort, prostration or agitation, oral breathing, and/or orthopneic position, it is crucial for the patient’s prognosis that a rapid and efficient emergency evaluation is performed. In some situations, the patient may progress to respiratory arrest and death within minutes. Consequently, the intensive care veterinarian and the entire team involved must be capable of identifying the affected area of the respiratory tract, based on the anamnesis and respiratory pattern, which is essential for narrowing down differential diagnoses, stabilizing the patient, and implementing an effective therapeutic plan. The use of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will help standardize the initial approach to the dyspneic feline patient within a facility, aiming to optimize the execution of the process. This is vital in a hospital environment with a large team, where it is necessary to align procedures, especially in emergency situations. Therefore, the SOP should be readily accessible, with all active professionals familiar with its contents, and periodically reviewed and updated to avoid outdated practices and ensure the highest quality of care for feline patients.