Feline Traumatic Injury Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) are common emergency presentations in feline patients, frequently resulting from road traffic accidents (RTAs), falls from height (high-rise syndrome), bite wounds, or other blunt trauma. These injuries carry significant morbidity and mortality, making rapid recognition and appropriate management critical for patient survival and functional recovery.

Up to 20% of traumatized cats present with some degree of brain injury. Between 30-83% of cats with spinal trauma have concurrent injuries including pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax, long bone fractures, and abdominal organ damage. Understanding the pathophysiology of primary and secondary injury mechanisms is essential for optimal patient management.

Part 1: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Etiology and Epidemiology

The most common causes of feline TBI include: road traffic accidents (most common), falls from height (high-rise syndrome), bite wounds, blunt force trauma, and gunshot wounds. High-rise syndrome is particularly notable in cats, defined as falls from two or more stories. Approximately 90% of cats survive falls when treated, though injury severity increases with falls from higher than seven stories.