Acute Respiratory Failure after Administration of Hydrogen Peroxide as an Emetic in a Cat

OBJECTIVE AND CASE SUMMARY: This case report describes a 5-year-old domestic short-haired cat that was orally administered with 4 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide by the owner after suspecting ingestion of a foreign body by the cat. Shortly after the administration, the cat developed severe respiratory distress. Thoracic radiography showed an interstitial-to-alveolar pulmonary pattern, while echocardiography and heart injury markers ruled out a cardiac origin. Intensive management with oxygen, diuretics, bronchodilators, and sedation resulted in survival of the cat without further respiratory complications. NEW AND UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a lung injury and acute respiratory failure after administration of hydrogen peroxide in a cat with successful management.