Radiographic patterns and lesion associations in feline pelvic trauma

ObjectivesPelvic fractures are common in feline trauma patients and often involve multiple structures due to the rigid anatomy of the pelvis. This study aimed to investigate the radiographic distribution of pelvic lesions in cats, to identify potential correlations among specific pelvic lesions and to evaluate the relationship between lesion type and total number of lesions.MethodsA retrospective bicentric study was conducted on cats presenting with pelvic trauma, based on orthogonal pelvic radiographs. Pelvic lesions were classified anatomically, and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate associations among different lesion types and between lesion type and total number of lesions.ResultsA total of 80 cats with pelvic trauma were included. A total of 267 pelvic lesions were identified, with a mean of three lesions per patient, and most cats (91.2%) had multiple pelvic lesions. Sacroiliac luxation was the most common lesion. Positive statistically significant associations were identified between (1) left and right sacroiliac luxation (ρ = 0.20, P = 0.036), (2) sacroiliac luxation with contralateral iliac fracture (ρ = 0.21, P = 0.030; ρ = 0.24, P = 0.017) and (3) pubic fractures with ipsilateral ischial fractures (ρ = 0.53, P <0.001; ρ = 0.37, P <0.001). Unilateral sacroiliac luxation, pubic, ischial and pelvic symphyseal fractures were never observed in isolation, whereas coxofemoral luxation often occurred as a solitary lesion.Conclusions and relevanceFeline pelvic trauma frequently results in complex, multi-site lesion patterns, and consistent associations among specific lesions suggest predictable biomechanical behaviour within the pelvic ring. Recognition of these patterns may assist clinicians in the systematic radiographic evaluation of feline pelvic trauma and facilitate detection of additional, potentially occult lesions.