Feline high-rise syndrome: 119 cases (1998-2001)

J Feline Med Surg. 2004 Oct;6(5):305-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2003.07.001.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data*
  • Animals
  • Cats / injuries*
  • Croatia / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Housing, Animal
  • Male
  • Records / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / veterinary*