Dealing with pelvic fractures in cats

Abstract

Pelvic fractures are common in cats and so veterinary surgeons will often be faced with having to manage this type of fracture. Historically, there has been a tendency to say that cats do fine if you just put them on cage rest for six weeks; however, this is outdated and old fashioned advice. There is no doubt that surgery gives a more predictable, comfortable outcome, and a quicker return to function for cats than would be seen with conservative management. This article provides a guide to the decision-making process around pelvic fractures in cats and the available options for fixation.

A Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Different Anatomical Regions Plate osteosynthesis in Cats with Body of Ilium Fractures

“…Concurrent problems such as pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax, hemothorax, rib fractures, diaphragmatic hernia and myocardial injury can be seen in cases with pelvic trauma (Miller, 2002;Grierson, 2019). In this study, hemothorax was present in four cases and pneumothorax in one case.…”

“…As no cats in this study had pelvic narrowing, if there was extreme pain, nerve deficits and pelvic floor fractures which were widely displaced with abdominal wall avulsion, fractures of the ischial tuberosity if they are clinically disabling. Surgery was to improve the canal width if narrowing was less than -45% to -50%byMeeson and Geddes, 2017.If fracture surgical management occurs within four to five days of injury, reduction and fixation would be more effective (Grierson, 2019).However, delays of seven to 10 days following injury can make fracture reduction challenging or impossible due to early callus formation (Grierson, 2019). Ilial fractures were dislocated in all cats included in this study, so surgery was elected in all cases.…”

“…It is important to limit the animal's activity but still allow freedom to ensure regular urination and defecation. Cage rest can include periods of supervised activity of 10 min two to three times a day, and appropriate bedding should be used to avoid the development of decubital ulcers, especially if the animal cannot move (Miller, 2002;Grierson, 2019).…”

“…P elvic fractures are common in cats. In the past, six weeks of cage rest was recommended to avoid surgical intervention for pelvic fractures, but after evaluating the outcomes of such management, it has been determined that a better outcomes for the cat will occur with surgical intervention (Grierson, 2019).One retrospective study found that the ilium was fractured in up to 50% of cats who suffered serious injuries and another study reported an incidence of 38% 13 out of 34 cats with pelvic injuries (Lanz, 2002). Pelvic fractures in cats and dogs are one of the most common orthopedic problems that cause serious injuries, making up between 20 to 32% of total feline fracture cases (Lanz, 2002).…”

Retrospective Analysis of Extra-Pelvic Injuries Verified at the First Admission of Cats With Pelvic Fractures

“…Patient signalment (sex, breed, age, body mass), fracture cause, and types of extra-pelvic injuries (appendicular and/or axial skeleton and other body systems) were obtained. Radiographs of the pelvic fractures were classified (11) as follows: sacroiliac fracture/ luxation, ilial wing fracture, fracture of the body of the ilium, acetabular fracture, ischial and/or tuber ischium fracture, and pelvic floor fracture. Unassisted death and euthanasia were also assessed.…”