Thoracic dog bite wounds in cats: a retrospective study of 22 cases

Abstract

Objectives: To compare clinical findings, investigate indications for thoracotomy and identify risk factors for mortality in cats with thoracic dog bite wounds. Methods: 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 and mortality were collected. Wound management was defined as conservative, exploratory or requiring thoracotomy. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's Exact, Mann-Whitney and independent samples t-test. Results: 22 cats were included (55% first opinion, 45% referral), of which eight cats (40%) suffered penetrating wounds, two (10%) deep wounds, five (25%) full thickness skin wounds and five (25%) partial thickness skin wounds. Sixteen cats (73%) also suffered wounds elsewhere, most commonly to the abdomen. Neither an abdominal wound nor abdominal surgery was associated with mortality. Pneumothorax was the most common radiographic finding and was associated with presence of pseudoflail chest (P=0·050). Presence of pseudo-flail chest (P=0·005), sternal fracture (P=0·013) or penetrating wound (P=0·001) was associated with decision to perform thoracotomy. There was no association between number of radiographic lesions and thoracotomy or mortality. The decision to perform thoracotomy was not associated with mortality. The overall mortality rate was 32%. Cats that survived were significantly younger (P=0·008) and lighter (P=0·023) than cats that did not, with a median age and bodyweight of 30 months and 4.0 kg versus 102 months and 5.5 kg, respectively. Statement: Clinical application of the presented data may facilitate both specialist and general practitioners' decision making in the management of feline thoracic bite wounds.