Orthopedic lesions in cats due to high-rise syndrome

As a result of the increase in the feeding rate of cats in high-rise buildings, they are more likely to fall from high places such as windows or balconies, resulting in more orthopedic lesions. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate and compare the parameters such as bone, breed, age, gender, height of fall, treatment methods applied and results obtained in orthopedic lesions observed in cats falling from a height. The material of this study consisted of 179 cats of different breeds, ages and genders with a history of falls from heights between 2-14 floors. The study included cats with complaints of falling from a height brought to Fırat University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital Surgery Clinic and Samsun province independent veterinarians' clinics. Informed consent forms and anamnesis were obtained from the owners of patients and inspection, palpation, radiologic and other necessary examination methods were used. The breed, age and sex of the animal, anamnesis information, the way the disease occurred and the time of occurrence were determined and the information obtained as a result of the examinations were recorded. The animals were treated with appropriate treatment methods and patient follow-up continued until recovery was achieved. The findings obtained from the patient's anamnesis until the recovery after treatment were evaluated and reported. In the study, orthopedic lesions were detected in 62 femur, 22 radius, 27 tibia, 16 coxae, 12 humerus, 15 ulna, 1 carpal bone, 21 metacarpus, 4 tarsal bone, 1 metatarsus, 10 mandible, 2 vertebral bones in 179 cats with fall from height syndrome. One cat had luxation of the articulatio cubiti joint. There were 90 male and 89 female cats and no effect of gender was observed. Most of the cases of fractures due to falls from height were found in mixed breeds (tabby and sarman). 69.27% of the cases were observed in young cats between 0-1 years of age. 84.47% of the cases were observed in unneutered and 14.53% in neutered cats. The data obtained from the study show that orthopaedic lesions due to fall from height syndrome are observed in young and unneutered cats. It is thought that neutering is important to take the necessary precautions to prevent cats living in high-rise buildings from falling and to prevent falls due to excessive mobility in cats. The study also revealed that orthopedic lesions caused by falling from a height can be corrected without any problems with appropriate treatment. As a result of this study, it is thought to contribute to the scientific field and clinical practice on this subject, which has limited number of scientific studies in our country and in the world.