Etiology, radiographic findings and clinical outcome of thoracic trauma in cats: a retrospective study

Thoracic trauma is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in cats. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the etiology, clinical findings, radiographic lesions, treatment approaches, and outcomes in cats presented with thoracic trauma. Clinical records of 95 cats diagnosed with thoracic trauma at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Veterinary Health and Research Hospital between January 2015 and April 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding breed, age, cause of trauma, clinical findings, radiographic lesions, treatment methods, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. High-rise syndrome was the most common cause of trauma (50.56%), followed by road accidents (38.95%), dog bites (9.47%) and unknown causes (3.16%). The most frequently detected radiographic lesion was pneumothorax (27.27%), followed by pleural effusion (15.45%) and hemothorax (14.55%). Overall survival rate was 74.7%, while mortality rate was 25.3%. Cats presenting with three or more radiographic lesions had a significantly higher mortality rate compared with those with fewer lesions. In addition, survival outcomes differed significantly according to the treatment method applied. Thoracic trauma in cats is most frequently associated with high-rise syndrome and commonly results in pneumothorax and pleural space abnormalities. The number of radiographic lesions was associated with survival outcomes and may have prognostic value, and timely therapeutic intervention may contribute to improved survival outcomes