Thoracic dog bite wounds in cats: a retrospective study of 22 cases (2005-2015)

The aim of this study was to describe a series of cats suffering from thoracic dog bite wounds, in order to detail the clinical, radiographic and surgical findings, and evaluate outcomes and factors associated with mortality.

The medical records of cats with thoracic dog bite wounds presenting to a single institution between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Data relating to clinical presentation, wound depth and management, radiographic findings, surgical findings and mortality were collected. Wound depth was defined as no external wound, superficial, deep or penetrating, and wound management was defined as conservative, exploratory or thoracic exploration. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney U-test and the χ² test.

Twenty-two cats were included, of which two were euthanased on presentation. In cats where wound depth could be assessed (21/22), six had no external wounds, four had superficial wounds, three had deep wounds and eight suffered penetrating wounds. Sixteen cats also suffered wounds elsewhere, most commonly to the abdomen. Neither an abdominal wound nor abdominal surgery were associated with mortality. Pneumothorax was the most common radiographic finding (11/18). Individual radiographic lesions were not significantly associated with respiratory pattern, presence of pseudo-flail, need for thoracotomy or lung lobectomy, or survival. The presence of ⩾3 radiographic lesions was associated with the presence of a penetrating wound (P = 0.025) and with having thoracic exploration (P = 0.025). Local exploration was performed in 7/20 cats, while 8/20 underwent thoracic exploration. Wound management type was not significantly associated with mortality. Overall mortality rate was 27%.

Presence of ⩾3 radiographic lesions should raise suspicion of a penetrating injury and may be suggestive of injury requiring a greater level of intervention. The treating veterinarian should have a high index of suspicion for penetrating injury and be prepared in case thoracic exploratory surgery is necessary, particularly in the presence of pseudo-flail chest, pneumothorax or ⩾3 radiographic lesions.