Effects of salbutamol on the physiological, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic variables of healthy cats
Volume 17, Issue 8, August 2026, Pages 589-595
Arash Azadi, Reza Avizeh, Mahdi Pourmahdi Borujeni, Abdolrazagh Rostami
Abstract Salbutamol is a primary bronchodilator for feline asthma management. However, comprehensive data on its cardiovascular safety in cats are limited despite its widespread clinical use. This study aimed to characterize the acute cardiovascular and respiratory responses following nebulized salbutamol administration in healthy feline subjects, with an emphasis on clinical safety assessment. Twenty healthy adult cats received nebulized salbutamol (3.75 mg per 20 min). A comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation, including vital signs monitoring, electrocardiography, and echocardiography, was performed before and 15 min after treatment. Salbutamol administration was associated with minimal physiological alterations. Heart rate increased from a mean of 204.10 ± 33.09 to 218.35 ± 4.84 beats per min. The E-wave/A-wave ratio increased from 2.44 ± 0.33 to 3.05 ± 0.56. Normal sinus rhythm was maintained in all subjects (100%). Sinus tachycardia was observed in 65.00% of cats, transient PR interval shortening in 25.00%, and isolated premature atrial contractions in 15.00%. No pathological arrhythmias or significant conduction blocks were detected. Respiratory rate showed a minor increase from 38.05 ± 5.87 to 40.05 ± 5.96 breaths/min, while blood pressure and body temperature remained stable. Nebulized salbutamol demonstrates a high margin of cardiovascular safety in healthy cats. The preservation of normal sinus rhythm and clinically insignificant nature of the observed physiological changes support its continued use as a first-line bronchodilator in feline respiratory medicine.