High-rise syndrome in cats: 207 cases (1988-1998)

Abstract

The records of 207 cats with high-rise syndrome over a period of I I years were reviewed. Cats fell from the height of the 2nd to the 8th floor and their mean age was 1.2 years. Shock was diagnosed in 17% of the cats, pneumothorax in 4% and pulmonary contusion in 7%. Limb fractures were seen in 50%, spinal fractures or luxations in 10% and split hard palates in 3% of the cats. A total of 93% of the cats survived. It was found that as the height from which the cats fell increased, the number of total and orthopaedic injuries also increased.