Serial paired arterial and jugular venous point-of-care values in dogs undergoing manual basic life support.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in point-of-care (POC) variables obtained from arterial and jugular venous blood in dogs undergoing manual basic life support (BLS) and report changes over time. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: Small animal research facility. ANIMALS: Twenty-four purpose-bred research dogs. INTERVENTIONS: Dogs were anesthetized, and arterial catheters were placed before euthanasia. One minute after cardiopulmonary arrest, BLS consisting of manual chest compressions and ventilation delivered via endotracheal intubation, face mask, mouth-to-nose, or no ventilation was initiated. Paired arterial and jugular venous blood samples were obtained for POC testing before euthanasia (T0), at 3 minutes (T3), and at 6 minutes (T6) into BLS. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The association of POC variables with arterial or venous sample type while controlling for type of ventilation and sampling timepoint was determined using a generalized linear mixed model. Variables obtained from arterial and venous blood samples were compared over time using repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman test. Pao2, anion gap, potassium, chloride, glucose concentration, and PCV were significantly higher in arterial blood samples compared with venous samples (P < 0.03). By T6, arterial glucose concentration, arterial and venous base excess, venous pH, and plasma lactate, potassium, creatinine, bicarbonate, and sodium concentrations were significantly increased, and arterial and venous Po2, ionized calcium concentration, PCV, and total plasma protein concentration were significantly decreased from T0 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although statistically significant, arteriovenous differences and changes in POC blood variables during BLS were small and not clinically relevant over time. Given the challenges of arterial blood sampling, it may be reasonable to pursue venous blood sampling during CPR. Further studies in dogs undergoing BLS and advanced life support are needed to better understand the potential clinical role of POC testing during CPR.

Prevalence and factors associated with initial and subsequent shockable cardiac arrest rhythms and their association with patient outcomes in dogs and cats undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A RECOVER registry study.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of initial shockable cardiac arrest rhythms (I-SHKR), incidence of subsequent shockable cardiac arrest rhythms (S-SHKR), and factors associated with I-SHKRs and S-SHKRs and explore their association with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rates in dogs and cats undergoing CPR. DESIGN: Multi-institutional prospective case series from 2016 to 2021, retrospectively analyzed. SETTING: Eight university and eight private practice veterinary hospitals. ANIMALS: A total of 457 dogs and 170 cats with recorded cardiac arrest rhythm and event outcome reported in the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation CPR registry. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Logistic regression was used to evaluate association of animal, hospital, and arrest variables with I-SHKRs and S-SHKRs and with patient outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs) were generated, and significance was set at P < 0.05. Of 627 animals included, 28 (4%) had I-SHKRs. Odds for I-SHKRs were significantly higher in animals with a metabolic cause of arrest (OR 7.61) and that received lidocaine (OR 17.50) or amiodarone (OR 21.22) and significantly lower in animals experiencing arrest during daytime hours (OR 0.22), in the ICU (OR 0.27), in the emergency room (OR 0.13), and out of hospital (OR 0.18) and that received epinephrine (OR 0.19). Of 599 initial nonshockable rhythms, 74 (12%) developed S-SHKRs. Odds for S-SHKRs were significantly higher in animals with higher body weight (OR 1.03), hemorrhage (OR 2.85), or intracranial cause of arrest (OR 3.73) and that received epinephrine (OR 11.36) or lidocaine (OR 18.72) and significantly decreased in those arresting in ICU (OR 0.27), emergency room (OR 0.29), and out of hospital (OR 0.38). Overall, 171 (27%) animals achieved ROSC, 81 (13%) achieved sustained ROSC, and 15 (2%) survived. Neither I-SHKRs nor S-SHKRs were significantly associated with ROSC. CONCLUSIONS: I-SHKRs and S-SHKRs occur infrequently in dogs and cats undergoing CPR and are not associated with increased ROSC rates.

Successful resuscitation and neurological monitoring of a dog with out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest due to pentobarbital overdose.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical signs, electroencephalographic (EEG) findings, treatment, and outcome in a dog after successful resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (OHCA) induced by pentobarbital intoxication. CASE SUMMARY: A 10-year-old, male intact Jack Russell Terrier was referred for management of refractory status epilepticus and presented dead on arrival. After 7 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, return of spontaneous circulation was achieved, but the dog remained comatose, apneic, and lacked brainstem reflexes on neurological examination 6 hours following resuscitation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed polioencephalomalacia consistent with prolonged epileptiform activity, and EEG was initially concerning for electrocerebral inactivity. Following supportive care that included short-term mechanical ventilation, the dog made a full recovery and was discharged from the hospital alive 7 days postresuscitation. It was later revealed that the dog had been administered an unknown amount of pentobarbital during transportation, which likely contributed to the OHCA, clinical, and EEG findings. NEW INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first report to describe the full recovery and hospital discharge of a dog suffering OHCA and the first description of EEG findings in a clinical veterinary patient following cardiopulmonary arrest and successful resuscitation. Factors likely contributing to successful patient outcome and potential benefits and limitations of EEG in monitoring postcardiac arrest patients are discussed.

Perception of challenges in management of neurological cases in the emergency room.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate emergency clinicians' comfort level in assessing neurological emergencies and to identify opportunities to foster enhanced training of clinical neurology in the emergency room. DESIGN: Internet-based survey. SETTING: University teaching hospitals and private referral centers. SUBJECTS: One hundred and ninety-two emergency and critical care specialists and resident trainees (ECC) and 104 neurology specialists and resident trainees (NEUR) in clinical practice. INTERVENTIONS: An internet-based survey was distributed via veterinary professional organizations' listserves and message boards and responses were collected between March and April 2020. ECC completed a survey evaluating stress levels associated with neurological emergencies, confidence with neurological examinations, and neuroanatomical localization. NEUR completed a similar survey to report their perception of their ECC colleagues' confidence in the assessment of neurological cases. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare categorical responses and confidence scores between groups. P < 0.002 was considered significant. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of ECC found neurological emergencies slightly challenging, whereas 85% of NEUR found them moderately to extremely challenging for ECC (P < 0.0001). ECC's median self-reported confidence score in performing a neurologic examination on a scale of 0-100 was 75 (interquartile range [IQR], 27), while NEUR reported a median ECC confidence of 44 (IQR, 25; P < 0.0001). Median self-reported ECC confidence in localizing intracranial, spinal, and neuromuscular disease was 67 (IQR, 40), 88 (IQR, 21), and 60 (IQR, 37), respectively, which was significantly higher than median NEUR-reported ECC confidence of 35 (IQR, 38), 51 (IQR, 31), and 18 (IQR, 20), respectively (all P < 0.0001). Following case transfer, 34% of ECC received NEUR feedback in >75% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Noticeable discrepancies between ECC and NEUR perceptions of ECC clinical confidence were seen, while no firm evidence of neurophobia could be inferred. Improvements in interdepartmental communication and teaching of clinical neurology may be warranted.

Association of point-of-care blood variables obtained from dogs and cats during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and following return of spontaneous circulation with patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of point-of-care biochemical variables obtained during CPR or within 24 hours of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) with patient outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Ninety-four dogs and 27 cats undergoing CPR according to the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation guidelines. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Blood gas, acid-base, electrolyte, glucose, and plasma lactate values obtained during CPR or within 24 hours of ROSC were retrospectively evaluated and are described. The blood sample type and collection time with respect to CPR initiation and ROSC were recorded. Measured variables, collection times, and species were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval of ROSC, sustained ROSC (≥20 min), and survival to hospital discharge. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Seventy-two venous blood samples obtained during CPR and 45 first venous and arterial blood samples obtained after ROSC were included in logistic regression analysis. During CPR, PvO2 (1.09 [1.036-1.148], P = 0.001) and venous standard base excess (SBE) (1.207 [1.094-1.331], P < 0.001) were associated with ROSC. PvO2 (1.075 [1.028-1.124], P = 0.002), SBE (1.171 [1.013-1.353], P = 0.032), and potassium concentration (0.635 [0.426-0.946], P = 0.026) were associated with sustained ROSC. Potassium concentration (0.235 [0.083-0.667], P = 0.007) was associated with survival to hospital discharge. Following ROSC, pH (69.110 [4.393-1087], P = 0.003), potassium concentration (0.222 [0.071-0.700], P = 0.010), and chloride concentration (0.805 [0.694-0.933], P = 0.004) were associated with survival to hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Biochemical variables such as PvO2 , SBE, and potassium concentration during CPR and pH, potassium, and chloride concentration in the postarrest period may help identify dogs and cats with lower odds for ROSC or survival to hospital discharge following CPR.

Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Initiative small animal CPR registry report 2016-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) CPR registry and report cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) and CPR event data collected to date. DESIGN: International, multi-institutional veterinary CPR registry data report. SETTING: Veterinary private practice and university teaching hospitals. ANIMALS: Data from 514 dogs and 195 cats undergoing CPR entered in the RECOVER CPR registry between February 2016 and November 2021. INTERVENTIONS: The RECOVER CPR registry is an online medical database created for standardized collection of hospital, animal, arrest, and outcome information on dogs and cats undergoing CPR. Data were collected according to the veterinary Utstein-style guidelines for standardized reporting of in-hospital CPR in dogs and cats. Case records were downloaded, duplicate and incomplete cases were removed, and summary descriptive data were reported. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sixteen hospitals in the United States, Europe, and Australia contributed data on 709 CPR events to the registry. One hundred and forty-two (28%) dogs and 58 (30%) cats attained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 62 (12%) dogs and 25 (13%) cats had ROSC >20 minutes, and 14 (3%) dogs and 4 (2%) cats survived to hospital discharge. The reason for CPR discontinuation was reported as owner choice in 321 cases (63%). The most common suspected causes for CPA were respiratory failure (n = 142, 20%), heart failure (n = 86, 12%), and hemorrhage (n = 76, 11%). CONCLUSION: The RECOVER CPR registry contains the first multicenter data set on small animal CPR. It confirms poor outcomes associated with CPA, emphasizing the need for large-sized studies to gain adequate information on characteristics associated with favorable outcomes.

Self-Reported Clinical Practice of Small Animal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Compliance With RECOVER Guidelines Among Veterinarians in Eight Western European Regions.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess whether small animal veterinarians across Western Europe are compliant with the 2012 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER). Methods: A previously published online questionnaire from Switzerland was adapted and translated into 7 languages, corresponding to national languages in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The survey was distributed via respective national veterinary organizations and social media outlets. A subset of questions was analyzed to evaluate respondent demographics, RECOVER guideline awareness, and to allocate composite compliance scores for CPR preparedness, basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). Percentages of group total (95% confidence interval) were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of region of practice, gender, age, specialty training, and guideline awareness on compliance. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were generated and significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Nine-hundred and thirty respondents were included in analysis. Awareness of and compliance with RECOVER guidelines varied widely across regions. Compliance with all assessed RECOVER guideline recommendations was highest in Germany/Austria [14% (7- 27%)] and lowest in France and Portugal [0% (0-3%)]. CPR preparedness compliance was higher in participants aware of RECOVER guidelines [OR 10.1 (5.2-19.5)], those practicing in Germany/Austria [OR 4.1 (1.9-8.8)] or UK/Ireland [OR 2.2 (1.3-3.7)], and lower in those practicing in Portugal [OR 0.2 (0.1-0.9)]. Specialty training [OR 1.8 (1.1-2.9)], guideline awareness [OR 5.2 (3.2-8.6)], and practice in Germany/Austria [OR 3.1 (1.5-6.5)], UK/Ireland [OR 2.6 (1.7-4.1)], or the Netherlands [OR 5.3 (2.0-14.2)] were associated with increased BLS compliance. ALS compliance was higher in participants with guideline awareness [OR 7.0 (2.9-17.0)], specialty training [OR 6.8 (3.8-12.1)], those practicing in Germany/Austria [OR 3.5 (1.3-9.6)], UK/Ireland [OR 4.0 (1.9-8.3)], or Spain [OR 3.2 (1.2-8.3)] and in younger survey participants [OR 0.9 (0.9-1.0)]. Conclusions: Awareness and compliance with RECOVER guidelines varied widely among countries surveyed, however overall compliance scores in all countries were considered low. Further research may highlight factors surrounding poor guideline awareness and compliance so targeted efforts can be made to improve veterinary CPR in Europe.

Comparison of the effects of 7.2% hypertonic saline and 20% mannitol on electrolyte and acid-base variables in dogs with suspected intracranial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Hyperosmolar agents frequently are used to decrease intracranial pressure but their effects on electrolyte and acid-base variables have not been prospectively investigated. OBJECTIVES: Compare duration and magnitude of changes in electrolyte and acid-base variables after hyperosmolar treatment. ANIMALS: Twenty-eight client-owned dogs with intracranial hypertension caused by various pathologies. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, nonblinded, experimental cohort study. Fifteen dogs received a single dose (4 mL/kg) of 7.2% hypertonic saline (HTS), 13 dogs received 20% mannitol (MAN) 1 g/kg IV. Electrolyte and acid-base variables were measured before (T0 ), and 5 (T5 ), 60 (T60 ), and 120 (T120 ) minutes after administration. Variables were compared between treatments and among time points within treatment groups. RESULTS: Mean plasma sodium and chloride concentrations were higher after HTS than MAN at T5 (158 vs 141 mEq/L; 126 vs 109 mEq/L) and significant differences were maintained at all time points. After HTS, plasma sodium and chloride concentrations remained increased from T0 at all time points. After MAN, plasma sodium and chloride concentrations decreased at T5 , but these changes were not maintained at T60 and T120 . Plasma potassium concentration was lower at T5 after HTS compared with T0 (3.6 vs 3.9 mEq/L) and compared to MAN (3.6 vs 4.1 mEq/L). At T60 and T120 , plasma ionized calcium concentration was lower after HTS than MAN (1.2 vs 1.3 mmol/L). No significant differences were found in acid-base variables between treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: At the administered dose, dogs receiving HTS showed sustained increases in plasma sodium and chloride concentrations, whereas dogs receiving MAN showed transient decreases. Future studies should assess the effects of multiple doses of hyperosmolar agents on electrolyte and acid-base variables.

Prospective Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performed in Dogs and Cats According to the RECOVER Guidelines. Part 1: Prognostic Factors According to Utstein-Style Reporting.

Factors associated with positive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outcomes defined according to the veterinary Utstein-style CPR reporting guidelines have not been described since implementation of the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) CPR clinical guidelines in 2012. The aims of this study were to assess factors associated with positive CPR outcomes at a U.S. veterinary teaching hospital, to re-evaluate these factors since implementation of the RECOVER guidelines compared to reported factors prior to their publication, and to identify potential additional factors since guideline publication. One-hundred and seventy-two dogs and 47 cats that experienced cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) and had CPR performed were prospectively included in this observational study. Supervising clinicians were asked to complete a data form on CPR events immediately following completion of CPR efforts. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of twenty hospital, animal, and arrest variables on the three patient outcomes "any return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)," "sustained ROSC," and survival to hospital discharge. Cats had significantly higher odds to achieve any ROSC [OR (95%CI) 2.72 (1.12-6.61), p = 0.028] and survive to hospital discharge than dogs [OR (95%CI) 4.87 (1.52-15.58), p = 0.008]. Patients had significantly lower odds of achieving any ROSC if CPA occurred during nighttime hours [OR (95%CI) nighttime = 0.52 (0.27-0.98), p = 0.043], and higher odds if CPA was witnessed [OR (95%CI) 3.45 (1.57-7.55), p = 0.002], if less people were involved in CPR efforts [OR (95%CI) 0.8 (0.66-0.96), p = 0.016], if pulses were palpable during CPR [OR (95%CI) 9.27 (4.16-20.63), p < 0.0005], and if an IV catheter was already in place at the time of CPA [OR (95%CI) 5.07 (2.12-12.07), p = 0.0003]. Odds for survival to hospital discharge were significantly higher if less people were involved in CPR efforts [OR (95%CI) 0.65 (0.46-0.91), p = 0.013] and for patients of the anesthesia service [OR (95%CI) 14.82 (3.91-56.17), p = 0.00007]. Overall, factors associated with improved CPR outcomes have remained similar since incorporation of RECOVER guidelines into daily practice. Witnessed CPA events and high-quality CPR interventions were associated with positive patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of timely recognition and initiation of CPR efforts. An optimal CPR team size has yet to be determined.

Retrospective evaluation of the severity of and prognosis associated with potassium abnormalities in dogs and cats presenting to an emergency room (January 2014-August 2015): 2441 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the severity, concurrent clinical signs, and disease processes associated with potassium abnormalities in dogs and cats presenting to a veterinary emergency department and associated mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective and descriptive study over 20 months. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: 1916 dog and 525 cat visits. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records from patients with a potassium concentration measured within 24 hours of admission were identified. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were defined as a potassium concentration <3.5 mmol/L [3.5 mEq/L] and >5 mmol/L [5 mEq/L], respectively. Associated disease processes and pathophysiologic risk factors for potassium abnormalities were reviewed for moderate to severe potassium abnormalities (<3 mmol/L or ≥6 mmol/L) [<3 mEq/L or ≥6 mEq/L]. Mortality associated with normokalemia, mild, and moderate to severe dyskalemia were evaluated. Overall prevalence of abnormal potassium concentration was 27% in dogs and 40% in cats. Moderate to severe hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were present in 3% of dogs and 8% of cats, and 2% of dogs and 7% of cats, respectively. Moderate to severe hypokalemia was most commonly associated with gastrointestinal disease (48% of dogs and 44% of cats) while moderate to severe hyperkalemia was most commonly associated with urinary tract disease (60% of dogs and 97% of cats). Dogs with hypokalemia and dogs and cats with hyperkalemia (P < 0.001) had significantly greater mortality than those with normokalemia. Dogs with mild hypokalemia and mild hyperkalemia (P < 0.0001) had higher mortality than dogs with normokalemia, but this was not found in cats. CONCLUSIONS: Dyskalemia was common in this population and was associated with greater mortality. Moderate to severe potassium abnormalities were uncommon in this population and occurred most frequently in animals with gastrointestinal and urinary tract disease.

Severe hypernatremia and transient azotemia in a cat following inadvertent intravenous administration of a commercial polyethylene glycol solution.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical signs, clinicopathologic abnormalities, treatment, and outcome after IV administration of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG3350) in a cat. CASE SUMMARY: A cat was inadvertently administered 6 g/kg of PEG3350 in electrolyte solution, IV, resulting in severe hypernatremia (203 mmol/L), diffuse encephalopathy, hemolysis, and moderate azotemia. The hemolysis and acute kidney injury observed immediately following PEG3350 administration resolved with supportive care. Administration of IV and oral electrolyte-free water slowly corrected the hypernatremia and the neurologic signs subsequently improved. Complete resolution of clinical signs was documented one month following hospital discharge. The PEG3350 concentrations in serum, plasma, and urine samples confirmed toxic exposure to PEG3350. Efficacy of treatment was evident by decreasing concentrations of PEG3350 in serum after the first 24 hours of treatment. Renal elimination of PEG3350 was significant and PEG3350 was still detected in the urine 17 days after exposure. NEW INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first report to describe the clinical signs and clinicopathologic abnormalities in a cat intoxicated with IV PEG3350. Potential pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed, and the successful supportive medical treatment is outlined.

Prospective Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performed in Dogs and Cats According to the RECOVER Guidelines. Part 2: Patient Outcomes and CPR Practice Since Guideline Implementation.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outcomes have not been prospectively described since implementation of the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) guidelines. This study aimed to prospectively describe CPR outcomes and document arrest variables in dogs and cats at a U.S. veterinary teaching hospital since implementation of the RECOVER guidelines using the 2016 veterinary Utstein-style CPR reporting guidelines. One-hundred and seventy-two dogs and 47 cats that experienced cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) underwent CPR following implementation of the RECOVER guidelines and were prospectively included. Supervising clinicians completed a data form for CPR events immediately following completion of CPR from December 2013 to June 2018. Seventy-five (44%) dogs and 26 (55%) cats attained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 45 dogs (26%) and 16 cats (34%) had ROSC ≥ 20 min, 13 dogs (8%) and 10 cats (21%) were alive 24 h after CPR, and 12 dogs (7%) and 9 cats (19%) survived to hospital discharge. The most common cause of death in animals with ROSC ≥ 20 min was euthanasia. Patient outcomes were not significantly different since publication of the RECOVER guidelines except for a higher feline survival to hospital discharge rate. Dogs (p = 0.02) but not cats with initial shockable rhythms had increased rates of ROSC while the development of a shockable rhythm during CPR efforts was not associated with ROSC (p = 0.30). In closed chest CPR an end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) value of >16.5 mmHg was associated with a 75% sensitivity and 64% specificity for achieving ROSC. Since publication of the RECOVER guidelines, CPR practice did not clinically significantly change at our institution and no improvement of already high ROSC rates was noted. The percentage of cats surviving to hospital discharge was higher than previously reported and the reason for this improvement is not evident with these results. Euthanasia remains a major confounding factor in assessing intermediate and long-term CPR outcomes in dogs and cats.

Placement of a caudal vena cava stent for treatment of Budd-Chiari-like syndrome in a 4-month-old Ragdoll cat.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 16-week-old 1.5-kg (3.3-lb) sexually intact male Ragdoll kitten that had a 9-week history of marked modified transudate ascites was evaluated. A membranous obstruction of the caudal vena cava at the cranial aspect of the liver was identified via CT angiography. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination findings included a markedly distended abdomen and panting. Testing for circulating FIV antibody and FeLV antigen, a PCR assay for feline coronavirus performed on a sample of peritoneal fluid, and fecal flotation yielded negative results. A diagnosis of Budd-Chiari-like syndrome secondary to a membranous obstruction of the caudal vena cava was made. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The cat was anesthetized, and the subhepatic portion of the caudal vena cava was identified and accessed via median celiotomy and direct venipuncture. A 6F 8 × 24-mm balloon-expandable nitinol biliary stent was placed across the stenotic area under fluoroscopic guidance. The patient remained free of clinical signs at the last follow-up 13 months following the procedure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Budd-Chiari-like syndrome is a rare phenomenon in veterinary medicine, and congenital malformations should be considered in young feline patients with ascites. Computed tomography angiography proved to be a helpful adjunctive imaging technique to establish a diagnosis in this case. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of a congenital caudal vena cava obstruction by means of stent placement in a juvenile cat.