Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat falls from high places cause broken legs and chest injuries
By Vnuk, D et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2004·Clinic of Surgery·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline high-rise syndrome: 119 cases (1998-2001).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 119 cats diagnosed with high-rise syndrome had fallen from an average height of four stories, with most of the cats being under one year old. Many of these cats suffered from broken bones, particularly in their legs, with the tibia and femur being the most commonly fractured. Despite the severity of their injuries, over 96% of the cats survived the falls, although some experienced serious chest injuries like pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity). Most cats received treatment for their fractures and other injuries, allowing them to recover successfully.
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Abstract
High-rise syndrome was diagnosed in 119 cats over a 4-year period. 59.6% of cats were younger than one year, and the average height of the fall was four stories. High-rise syndrome was more frequent during the warmer period of the year. 96.5% of the presented cats, survived after the fall. 46.2% of cats had fractured limbs; 38.5% of fractures were of the forelimb, 61.5% of the hindlimb. The tibia was fractured most often (36.4%), followed by the femur (23.6%). 78.6% of femoral fractures were distal. The mean age of patients with femoral fractures was 9.1 months, and with tibial fractures 29.2 months. Thoracic trauma was diagnosed in 33.6% of cats. Pneumothorax was diagnosed in 20% of cats, and pulmonary contusions in 13.4%. Falls from the seventh or higher stories, are associated with more severe injuries and with a higher incidence of thoracic trauma.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15363762/