This retrospective study analyzed cats with pelvic fractures over a 5-year period. Of the 43 cats, 93% had >1 orthopedic pelvic injury present, which illustrated the importance of evaluating the entire pelvis. Of the 43 cats, 32 were managed surgically, most having a plate or screw implanted. Neurologic deficits, sciatic neurapraxia being the most common, were found in 23% of cats preoperatively. With a mean follow-up of 24 months, 86% had no long-term mobility issues. Nerve deficits resolved entirely in 79% of affected cats and improved in the rest. No cats developed megacolon, although 19% had varying degrees of chronic (≥ once a month) to intermittent (≤ once a year) constipation.
The authors found similar outcomes when conservative management was compared with surgery, although selection bias was not controlled. Routinely excellent outcomes were seen in both groups, with cats having minimal long-term problems after pelvic fracture treatment.