A retrospective study of feline trauma patients admitted to a referral centre.

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic information and provide recommendations for management of feline trauma patients.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case records for 185 cats presented as emergency trauma cases to a referral hospital between February 2009 and December 2013. Each case was assigned a severity score from 1 (very minor injuries) to 6 (moribund, dying). The data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U and Spearman's rank correlation tests. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios.

RESULTS: Out of 185 cats, 22 (11%) did not survive to discharge. Those presenting with a higher severity score had a higher rate of mortality and a longer period of hospitalisation. Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of trauma (104/185) and had the highest mortality and complication rates. Cats with circulatory shock and multiple injuries were identified as having a higher rate of mortality.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cats involved in road traffic accidents and that present with signs of shock or multiple injuries following a traumatic event have an increased mortality rate. Cats with a higher severity score had an increased duration of hospitalisation.