Predictors of comorbidities and mortality in cats with pelvic fractures

Objective To characterize and evaluate risk factors for comorbidities and death of cats with pelvic fractures. Study design Retrospective case study. Animals Cats (n = 280). Methods Medical records were reviewed for cats in which pelvic fractures had been diagnosed (January 2003 to November 2016). Retrieved data included signalment, mechanism of injury, clinical findings, diagnostic imaging investigations, type and number of concurrent injuries based on anatomical location, type of therapy, and survival. Pelvic fractures were classified according to location and severity. Descriptive statistics were performed, and logistic regression models were constructed to examine associations between risk factors and outcome. Results Cases consisted of 280 cats with no (9%), unilateral (43%), and bilateral (48%) involvement of the weight-bearing axis. Sacral fractures were found in 12% of cats. Surgical treatment and mortality rates increased progressively with the severity of the pelvic fractures (P < .001). Mean number of concurrent body regions injured was 2.4 +/- 1.2 and was associated with mortality (P < .01). Twenty percent of cats did not survive to discharge. Cats with neurologic injuries were more likely not to survive (P = .02). Conclusion Concurrent injuries to at least one body region, especially the abdomen and thorax, were observed in cats sustaining pelvic fractures. Mortality was associated with increased severity of the fractures, neurologic injuries, and increased number of concurrent injuries. Clinical significance Concurrent injuries are common in cats with pelvic fractures, and comorbidities may be associated with mortality.