Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT scan signs of Morel-Lavallée fluid swelling after trauma in cats
By Dziedzic-Nyrka, Natalia et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2025·1Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Computed tomographic features of Morel-Lavallée lesions in 3 cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Three young cats were brought in for swelling and fluid buildup in their back legs after experiencing trauma. The vets discovered that the fluid was located between the skin and deeper tissue layers, which can sometimes be mistaken for other issues like bruises or infections. It's important to recognize these Morel-Lavallée lesions, as they can lead to serious skin problems if not treated properly. The cats received appropriate care, which helped manage the fluid accumulation and prevent further complications.
People also search for: cat leg swelling after injury · Morel-Lavallée lesions in cats · cat trauma treatment · cat skin problems after injury
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the CT features of Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) and their association with trauma in cats. This study aimed to investigate whether MLL fluid in cats accumulates between the dermis and deep fascia near superficial trauma, exhibits a vertical attenuation gradient, and shows no or only mild contrast enhancement on CT images. ANIMALS: 3 young cats: a 1-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, a 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, and a 3-year-old neutered female British Shorthair cat. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The clinical presentation of the 3 cats in the study involved recurrent swelling and fluid accumulation affecting at least 1 pelvic limb following trauma. RESULTS: In all cases, there was a fluid-filled space deep to the skin and superficial subcutaneous layer but superficial to the deep fascial plane overlying the muscular component of the pelvic limbs. The MLL fluid had a vertical attenuation gradient and no or only mild contrast enhancement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Morel-Lavallée lesions are often initially overlooked, likely due to distraction by concomitant significant bone injuries, and can be mistaken for hematomas, seromas, subcutaneous edema, contusions, or cellulitis, leading to less aggressive treatment. If left untreated, MLLs present a significant risk of extensive skin necrosis compared to other types of subcutaneous swelling.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39362272/