DOI: 10.31196/huvfd.1937583 ISSN: 2146-717X

Evaluation of Emergency Trauma Protocols in Cats Presenting to Pet Clinics: A Survey Study

Barış Önün, Büşra Kılınç
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Trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cats and requires rapid, systematic emergency intervention. This study evaluated emergency trauma management protocols implemented in pet clinics and identified potential deficiencies in clinical practice. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 380 companion animal veterinary clinics. Data on emergency approaches, diagnostic procedures, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. Participating clinics reported that traumatized cats were predominantly male (71.6%) and mixed-breed (87.1%), with the highest frequency in cats aged 12-24 months (68.7%). Falls from height were the predominant trauma etiology (97.9%), and trauma was reported most frequently during summer (61.6%). Initial emergency management prioritized circulation (69.5%) and airway assessment (66.6%), whereas breathing assessment was less frequently emphasized (28.4%). radiographic examinations during the initial evaluation were reported in 11.8% of trauma cases, whereas abdominal focused assessment with sonography for trauma/thoracic focused assessment with sonography for trauma examinations were used in 43.0% of clinics. Intensive care, oxygen therapy, and fluid therapy were implemented in all clinics (100%). Thoracocentesis and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were reported to be performed by 15.5% and 19.2% of clinics, respectively. The mean trauma-related mortality rate was 19.9±8.4%. No significant associations were found between trauma etiology and sex, neuter status, or season (p>0.05), whereas landing surface was significantly associated with permanent injury type (χ²=13.69, p=0.025). In conclusion, trauma management generally followed fundamental emergency principles; however, variability in diagnostic approaches, highlights the need for standardized emergency trauma assessment and diagnostic protocols in veterinary practice.

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