Chapter 162 High-Rise Syndrome

Question 1

Which animals are particularly predisposed to high rise syndrome? and when does it happen more frequently?

Answer 1

1. Animals that reside in urban areas
2. Young animals, likely due to the fact that they are more curious and more likely to explore
3. Sexually intact animals, potentially due to increased propensity for roaming
4. In warmer months. It is likely the time when most people open windows, providing the animals with access to the outdoors

Question 2

Some studies conclude that the injury rates stopped to increase and fracture numbers decreased in cats that fell from a height of over seven stories. WHY?

Answer 2

CATS stretch their body to increase the surface area, extending their limbs and making a more horizontal position. This potentially leads to more truncal injuries and the percentage of thoracic injuries went up in falls higher than seven stories.

Question 3

Thoracic trauma in dogs and cats with high rise syndrome?

Answer 3

1. Pneumothorax
2. Pulmonary contusions
3. Diaphragmatic hernia is an infrequent but significant sequela of HRS, and has been documented in about 2% of feline cases in several case series
4. Rib fractures

Question 4

Treatment of animals with high rise syndrome should firstly focus on?

Answer 4

1. achieving acceptable ventilation
2. oxygenation
3. and cardiovascular stability