Fluid overload in the hospitalised cat: warning signs
10-year-old cat hospitalised for pancreatitis, on intravenous fluids for three days. Today it has a respiratory rate of 52 breaths/min, bilateral serous nasal discharge, chemosis and has gained 12% body weight since admission. It is afebrile.
What is the most likely cause of these signs?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Volume overload from fluid therapy
Correct. Chemosis, serous nasal discharge, tachypnoea and weight gain above 10% are classic signs. Stop fluids, assess the chest with ultrasound (pleural effusion, B-lines) and consider furosemide; rule out occult cardiomyopathy.
B. Hospital-acquired herpesvirus respiratory infection
It can cause nasal discharge and conjunctivitis, but does not explain the weight gain or progressive tachypnoea coinciding with days of fluid therapy.
C. Aspiration pneumonia
It is possible in a vomiting cat, but it usually causes fever and does not explain the chemosis or weight gain.
D. Allergic reaction to the catheter material
Catheter reactions are local (phlebitis, limb oedema); they do not cause respiratory signs or bilateral chemosis.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Cats are very sensitive to volume overload. Weigh them daily, monitor resting respiratory rate and look for chemosis and serous nasal discharge; adjust fluids before dyspnoea appears.
References: AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (2024)
Test yourself with 10 random questions
Emergency and critical care · 100 questions, a different test every time
Related questions
Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.