Plus-Hex CLINICAL
In-house measurements of packed cell volume ( PCV ) and total solids ( TS ) were also made . Laboratory findings showed neutropenia , mild lymphopenia and mild hypercholesterolaemia . The patient ' s PCV was 35 % and TS was 62 g / l , both of which are within the normal range for a cat . No interventions were implemented in response to the patient ' s blood work .
The patient was anaesthetised for an MRI scan of the brain ( Figures 2 and 3 ), which revealed a large extraaxial mass lesion within the right cerebral hemisphere , consistent with recurrence of the previously removed meningioma . The nature of the tumour and the presence of perilesional oedema indicated a likelihood of raised ICP .
Following imaging , the patient had a stable recovery and was hospitalised overnight in preparation for the surgical procedure the following day .
Figure 2 . A pre-contrast sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance image that highlights the abnormal pathology present ( arrow ).
Figure 3 . A post-contrast dorsal transverse T1-weighted magnetic resonance image that shows the anatomy of the patient and enables imagers to identify the region of the tumour within the brain ( arrow ).
Discussion
Preoperative assessment
Before formulating a general anaesthetic plan with the anaesthetist , a preoperative assessment was carried out to assess the patient ' s physiological parameters and state of mentation , as shown in Table 2 [ 7 ] .
Table 2 . The findings of Misty ' s preoperative assessment .
Parameter
Temperature ( rectal )
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Mucous membranes
Hydration status
Body condition score
Heart and lung auscultation
Pulse quality ( femoral )
Blood pressure
Finding 36.8 ° C
120 beats / min
Following the initial clinical examination , an echocardiogram was performed as the patient was mildly bradycardic . The echocardiogram identified that the patient had a structurally normal heart , good myocardial function and no evidence of volume overload ( Figures 4 and 5 , page 40 )
24 breaths / min
Pink , capillary refill time < 2 s
< 5 % dehydrated
This value was assumed , as there was minimal loss of skin turgor , semi-dry mucous membranes , and the patient had a normal ocular globe presentation
5 / 9
MAP , mean arterial pressure .
This score was given using the Royal Canin Body Condition Score chart for cats as a reference [ 7 ] . A score of 5 / 9 would suggest the patient is of ideal weight for their body composition
Nothing abnormal discovered
Normal and synchronised
136 / 93 ( MAP = 106 mmHg )
This measurement was taken using a Suntech oscillometric blood pressure monitor . A size 2 cuff was used on the left forelimb
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