How can a cat get a fractured pelvis?

The vast majority of pelvic fractures in cats occur when they are hit by a car, and this is one of the most common injuries from such an accident.

What can be done for a cat with a fractured pelvis?

In most cases no surgery to repair the bones of the pelvis is required. The pelvic bones are completely surrounded by large muscle masses which will act as a natural splint to keep the bones in place. However, if pelvis has been squashed so that the canal through the pelvis is narrowed something may need to be done.

What other complications will affect the survival of a cat?

When a pelvis is fractured, the state of the bones is not the biggest concern - they will heal with time. There are a lot of nerves that run through the pelvis to the back legs and to internal organs such as the bladder and rectum. These nerves can be damaged when the pelvis is broken, either temporarily or permanently. Before a cat with a broken pelvis can be allowed home, they must be monitored to make sure they are able to pass urine and faeces on their own. If the bladder does not function, there may be reason to question the survival of the cat. It may be possible to empty a cat’s bladder for it, but this requires extreme dedication from the owner and some cats will not allow it.

What after care will the cat require once it comes home?

The most important factor in successful healing of a pelvic fracture is rest. Usually confinement in a cage big enough to hold a bed, litter tray, food and water will be required for a period of 4-6 weeks. Sometimes restriction to one room with no opportunity to jump will be sufficient as many cats with pelvis injuries will rest themselves, since movement may be sore.

After this initial period on complete confinement, a gradually increasing freedom to exercise should be allowed. A total period of 2-3 months may be required before they are fully restored.