High‐rise syndrome in cats and dogs

Abstract

Objective To review the current literature pertaining to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries sustained from high‐rise syndrome in cats and dogs. Etiology High‐rise syndrome is defined as a fall from a height of 2 or more stories that results in a constellation of injuries, including thoracic, abdominal, orthopedic, and orofacial trauma. Animals often fall after slipping from windowsills, engaging in mating behavior, or chasing prey. Cats suffer less severe injuries than dogs due to their “righting reflex” and smaller body mass. Affected animals are younger, and the frequency of falls is higher in warmer months. Diagnosis Physical examination coupled with radiographs, ultrasound, and computed tomography can diagnose a myriad of injuries that include pneumothorax, pleural or abdominal effusion, orthopedic fractures, and orofacial injuries. Bloodwork may identify anemia, thrombocytopenia, or increases in hepatic, renal, or pancreatic values consistent with trauma to these organs. Serial venous or arterial blood gas can help determine the severity of respiratory compromise and influence resuscitative efforts. Traditional coagulation tests and thromboelastography can assess trauma‐induced coagulopathy and guide transfusion therapy. Therapy Animals presenting in shock require hemodynamic stabilization. Initial resuscitation may incorporate crystalloids, colloids, blood products, and analgesics. Thoracic injuries may require oxygen, thoracocentesis, chest tube placement, and mechanical ventilation. Fractures and wounds are decontaminated and splinted/bandaged, with definitive fixation pursued after stabilization. Abdominal injuries are managed medically unless there is severe ongoing bleeding, sepsis, or injury to the urinary tract. Prognosis In feline high‐rise syndrome, the prognosis is generally excellent following treatment, with survival exceeding 90%. Canine literature is sparse. The largest retrospective study reported a >90% survival to discharge and a greater need for surgical stabilization in this species. There are no prognostic factors identified that are associated with survival for either species.

Retrospective evaluation of the agreement between thoracic point-of-care ultrasound and thoracic radiographs in cats with recent trauma: 111 cats

“…Thoracic injury was present on thoracic POCUS and/or TXR in 74.4% of cats in the current study. This percentage is close to the upper range previously reported in cats (10–90%) ( 1–3 , 5–7 , 20 , 28 , 29 ). However, due to the retrospective nature of this study and the inclusion/exclusion criteria, not all cases of cats with trauma were included.…”

Clinical and etiologically evaluation of cats with high-rise syndrome: assessment of 72 cases (A retrospective study)

“…HRS occurs mostly in urban areas with tall buildings (3,9,10). HRS is mostly seen in young cats owing to behavioural differences between young and old animals.…”

“…Kittens may fall from a balcony or window when they run around or see a moving object or bird. (3,9). Keeping balconies and windows open, especially during summer, makes it easy for cats to reach these areas.…”

“…However, jumping out of a balcony or window; slipping while walking on a balcony or windowsill; and chasing a fly, insect or bird may also play a role in falling (2)(3)(4). HRS is observed more frequently in young cats owing to behavioural differences between young and old animals (3,5,9). This syndrome may involve various injuries (2,6).…”

Bio‐Inspired Semi‐Active Safeguarding Design with Enhanced Impact Resistance via Shape Memory Effect

“…Additionally, the cat adjusts its posture due to its righting reflex when falling from a tall building to reduce impact injury. [4][5][6] Consequently, it is extremely attractive to develop safeguarding materials or structures with enhanced impact resistance by deformation.…”