Chemical pneumonitis secondary to accidental pulmonary polyethylene glycol–electrolyte solution infusion in a cat

Objective

To describe the successful conservative management of chemical pneumonitis and presumed acute respiratory distress syndrome in a cat secondary to inadvertent pulmonary polyethylene glycol–electrolyte solution (PEG-ELS) instillation.

Case Summary

PEG-ELS is commonly used in small animals for bowel cleansing and to treat constipation. There have been several instances of aspiration or accidental instillation of this solution into the lungs of both people and dogs. PEG-ELS was inadvertently infused into the lungs of the cat in the current report. After 10 days in the ICU, during which time treatment with oxygen therapy, antibiosis, diuretics, and corticosteroids was provided, the cat was successfully discharged.

New or Unique Information Provided

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of instillation of PEG-ELS in a cat resulting in chemical pneumonitis and lung injury. We describe the successful management of this condition with conservative management and without the need for invasive interventions such as bronchoscopy and lavage or mechanical ventilation.