Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

A Scalable Model to Study the Effects of Blunt-Force Injury in Adult Zebrafish
Published on: May 31, 2021
Delayed intestinal perforation secondary to blunt force abdominal trauma in a cat
1Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA.
Case Summary:
A 7-month-old intact male domestic shorthair cat was presented 4 h after being hit by a car. It had bilateral inguinal hernias and a mesenteric rent that were repaired surgically and a hematoma in the left retroperitoneal space. No other intra-abdominal abnormalities were identified on abdominal surgical exploration. Approximately 72 h after presentation, the cat started vomiting and developed severe abdominal discomfort. A sudden decrease in mentation and elevation of respiratory rate and effort ensued. Abdominal radiographs showed loss of detail in the abdominal cavity, and abdominocentesis confirmed septic peritonitis. The cat was euthanized, and post-mortem evaluation of the bowel revealed two 1 cm perforations of the jejunum.
Relevance And Novel Information:
To our knowledge, delayed intestinal perforation secondary to blunt force abdominal trauma has not previously been reported in cats. It has been reported in dogs, but the pathophysiology resulting in perforation is poorly understood. Delayed intestinal injury secondary to blunt force abdominal trauma has been reported in people, especially in children, as a result of motor vehicle accidents.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Secondary Active Transport
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
Secondary Healthcare System
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots

