Fracture/Luxations of the Sacrococcygeal Area in the Cat: A Retrospective Study of 51 Cases

Traumatic injury of the sacrococcygeal area occurs frequently in young cats of either sex. Case records of 51 cats with injury to this area that were treated at The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were reviewed. Injuries of other structures also were present in 84.3% of the cats. Temporary or permanent urinary incontinence was observed in 37 of the 51 cats. The prognosis was good for return of normal urinary function in cats that had anal tone and perineal sensation at the time of initial examination. Rear limb, tail, and urination dysfunction generally returned to normal within 1 month. Cats that were unable to urinate normally within 1 month after the injury did not recover normal urination habits during the 2 to 36 month follow-up period.