Pelvic fracture in cats is in most cases a consequence of trauma in connection with a traffic accident or falls from a height.

A pelvic fracture usually consists of at least two fractures on each side of a piece of bone which is then separated from the rest of the pelvis. Pelvic fractures can be more or less complicated, depending on where in the pelvis the fracture lines go.

Since pelvic fractures usually occur as a result of trauma, it is not uncommon for the cat to also have other injuries that may need to be repaired before the fracture itself.

This includes, for example, injuries to the bladder or urinary tract, nerve damage, bleeding and other injuries to soft tissues or bones.

Symptoms

The symptoms vary slightly depending on the location of the fractures and the severity.

The cat can show everything from moderate lameness on one hind leg to total paralysis in the hindquarters. Pelvic fractures, like other fractures, cause pain, and the cat may appear low and withdraw and be reluctant to eat and drink. Some cats have difficulty urinating and pooping.

Diagnosis

During the clinical examination, the veterinarian looks at how the cat is moving and examines the injured buttocks manually.

You look for tenderness, swelling, abnormal mobility and crepitation (if it “cracks” when the leg is manipulated or loaded). With the help of X-ray examination, it can be determined that the pelvis is broken, and find out how the bone pieces are in relation to each other.

It is also important to evaluate the cat’s nerve function and ensure that it does not have damage to internal organs, especially the bladder and urinary tract. Blood tests can provide additional information about any internal damage.

Treatment

Many times, pelvic fractures can be treated conservatively, ie with rest in a limited space for about six weeks, as well as pain relief.

In some cases, the cat needs surgery, for example when the hip joint is involved in the fracture. During surgical treatment, the bone pieces are stabilized against each other and fixed with metal plates, screws etc.

Forecast

The prognosis is determined partly by whether the cat has any further injuries, and partly by the fact that the fracture healing itself proceeds without complications.

Strict rest is important so that the bone fragments do not move and delay fracture healing, which increases the risk of chronic lameness.

Many cats recover completely, or may possibly walk a little stiffly with their back body, while others experience pain and lameness from time to time or continuously. Female cats may have future birth defects if the pelvic cavity becomes narrower due to the fracture.