High-rise syndrome in cats

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1987 Dec 1;191(11):1399-403.

Abstract

High-rise syndrome was diagnosed in 132 cats over a 5-month period. The mean age of the cats was 2.7 years. Ninety percent of the cats had some form of thoracic trauma. Of these, 68% had pulmonary contusions and 63% had pneumothorax. Abnormal respiratory patterns were evident clinically in 55%. Other common clinical findings included facial trauma (57%), limb fractures (39%), shock (24%), traumatic luxations (18%), hard palate fractures (17%), hypothermia (17%), and dental fractures (17%). Emergency (life-sustaining) treatment, primarily because of thoracic trauma and shock, was required in 37% of the cats. Nonemergency treatment was required in an additional 30%. The remaining 30% were observed, but did not require treatment. Ninety percent of the treated cats survived.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls*
  • Accidents*
  • Animals
  • Cats*
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Joint Dislocations / veterinary
  • Male
  • Wounds and Injuries / veterinary*