A decubitus ulcer, also called a pressure sore, is tissue death caused by prolonged pressure over a bony prominence. In cats it follows paralysis, long anesthesia, severe weakness or an ill-fitting splint or cast. The wound looks small on the surface and is often deeper underneath, so prevention is worth more than treatment.
Key facts
Decubitus ulcer at a glance- Species and system: cat; integumentary (skin, subcutis and sometimes muscle).
- Cause: pressure-induced necrosis, made worse by shear, friction, moisture and poor nutrition (MSD).
- Classic presentation: a recumbent cat with hair loss, redness or a shallow ulcer over a bony point such as the hip, shoulder, elbow or hock.
- Predisposing causes: paraplegia, tetraplegia, improper coaptation (casts, splints), immobility (MSD).
- Key principle: prevent with padding, frequent repositioning, clean dry skin and good nutrition.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Nursing the recumbent cat
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 3 tables, 3 self-test questions and 3 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.