Feline Emergency and Critical Care Medicine 2nd Edition – Advanced Veterinary Care & Expert Clinical Guidance

Feline Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, 2nd Edition is a definitive and highly specialized reference dedicated exclusively to the emergency and intensive care of cats. Designed for veterinarians, emergency clinicians, and advanced veterinary trainees, this text addresses the unique physiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges associated with critically ill feline patients.

Cats present distinct clinical complexities that differ significantly from other species, and this book provides a cat-specific, evidence-based approach to emergency and critical care medicine. The 2nd Edition builds upon the success of the first edition with updated clinical guidelines, improved diagnostic strategies, and expanded therapeutic protocols reflecting current best practices in veterinary medicine.

The book begins with foundational principles of feline emergency assessment and stabilization, emphasizing rapid triage, shock recognition, oxygen therapy, fluid resuscitation, and pain management. These early chapters equip clinicians with the tools needed to manage life-threatening conditions during the critical initial hours of presentation.

Comprehensive system-based chapters cover a wide range of emergency and ICU presentations, including:

• Cardiovascular emergencies, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and hypertension

• Respiratory distress, including asthma, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and acute pulmonary disease

• Neurologic emergencies, such as seizures, head trauma, and altered mental status

• Renal and urinary emergencies, including acute kidney injury, urethral obstruction, and electrolyte imbalances

• Gastrointestinal and hepatic emergencies, covering vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, hepatic lipidosis, and GI obstruction

• Endocrine crises, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and thyroid emergencies

• Toxicologic emergencies, including common feline toxins and evidence-based treatment strategies

• Infectious diseases and sepsis, with a focus on early recognition and antimicrobial stewardship

A major strength of this book is its practical ICU-focused approach. Detailed guidance is provided on continuous patient monitoring, ventilatory support, nutritional management, transfusion medicine, and analgesia tailored specifically to feline patients. Clear tables, flowcharts, and algorithms support rapid decision-making in high-pressure clinical settings.

The text also emphasizes procedural competence, covering techniques such as vascular access, thoracocentesis, urinary catheterization, feeding tube placement, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Step-by-step instructions and clinical tips improve safety and procedural success.

Case-based discussions throughout the book highlight real-world clinical scenarios, demonstrating how diagnostic data, imaging findings, and laboratory results are integrated into effective treatment plans. These cases reinforce clinical reasoning and provide practical insight into managing complex feline emergencies.

Special attention is given to pain management, stress reduction, and handling techniques, recognizing the importance of feline-friendly care in improving outcomes. The book also addresses communication with pet owners, ethical decision-making, and end-of-life care in critical settings.

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