Dear Editor
In the article “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Small Animal Medicine: An Update” published in January/February 2008 issue, pages 9–25,1 there is a table that indicates the use of amiodarone in cats, at the same dose as used in dogs, but I could not find any published study that has tested amiodarone in cats, other than acute experimental studies and in vitro studies, not related to specific feline diseases, but as animal models for human diseases.
I believe it is dangerous to recommend clinical use of a drug that has not been tested in this species. Considering the unique characteristics of cats with regard to drug metabolism and amiodarone toxicity in other species, I believe that use in this species could lead to potentially serious or life‐threatening adverse effects. Amiodarone use should be carefully evaluated in cats before general recommendation are made.
Can the authors provide any information regarding the safety of amiodarone in cats? I would appreciate knowing the basis for recommending the use of this drug in cats.
From the article:
Table 1.
1Medications and shock energy doses used in CPCR
| Medication | Canine | Feline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amiodarone | 5.0 mg/kg IV, IO over 10 minutes Repeat dose | Same | Only 1 repeat dose, after 3–5 minutes, is recommended, Do not administer IT |
| 2.5 mg/kg IV, IO over 10 minutes |
Reference
- 1. Plunkett SJ, McMichael M. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Small Animal Medicine: An Update. J Vet Intern Med. 2008. Jan‐Feb;22(1):9–25. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]