Veterinary Research Forum

Evaluation of the effects of salbutamol on the physiologic, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic variables of healthy cats

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Reza Avizeh 1
Arash Azadi 2
Mahdi Pourmahdi Borujeni 3
Abdolrazagh Rostami 4

1 Shahid Chamran University- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine- Department of Clinical Sciences

2 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

4 Veterinary Ultrasonography Specialist, Tabesh Veterinary Radiology Center, Tehran, Iran

10.30466/vrf.2026.2070329.4896
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/20 min). A comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation, including vital signs monitoring, electrocardiography, and echocardiography was performed before and 15 minutes 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/min. The E/A ratio increased from 2.44±0.33 to 3.05±0.56. Normal sinus rhythm was maintained in all subjects (100.00%). 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 the clinically insignificant nature of the observed physiological changes support its continued use as a first-line bronchodilator in feline respiratory medicine.

Keywords

Beta-2 agonist
Cardiovascular safety
Electrocardiography
Echocardiography
Feline asthma
Subjects
Veterinary Research Forum

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 August 2026

  • Receive Date 31 August 2025
  • Revise Date 14 December 2025
  • Accept Date 07 January 2026

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