Open Veterinary Journal, (2026), Vol. 16(4): 2034-2042

Research Article

10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i4.8

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A survey study on surgical management of cat fractures in the
State of Kuwait

Khalifah Khalaf Khatam Ali^1*, Samir Rashed Nouh², Mahmoud H. Elkammar² and Howaida M. Abou-Ahmed²

¹Gulf Pets Clinic, Kuwait City, Kuwait

²Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

*Corresponding Author: Khalifah Khalaf Khatam Ali. Gulf Pets Clinic, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Email:vet-1 [at] live.com

Submitted: 02/12/2025 Revised: 22/02/2026 Accepted: 02/03/2026 Published: 30/04/2026

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ABSTRACT

Background: Bone fractures are a frequent problem in cats; however, no published information describing surgical bone injuries in cats in Kuwait is currently available.

Aim: This study aimed to describe the distribution and basic outcomes of feline fractures treated surgically in a veterinary clinic in Kuwait over 1 year.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed on the records of cats presented to the Gulf Pets Clinic, Kuwait City, from October 2024 to October 2025. Data collected included age, sex,  breed, and fracture location. All patients had fractures confirmed by clinical examination and radiographic evaluation. A total of 325 cats were included in this study. 

Results: Male cats accounted for 63.7% of the cases, and 61.3% of the cats were younger than 3 years. Domestic and mixed-breed cats were most affected (54.8%), followed by Persian (17.2%) and Scottish Fold (7.4%) cats. The most frequently injured regions were the lumbar vertebrae (7.7%), pelvis (6.8%), femur (6.2%), humerus (6.2%), and mandible (4.6%). Most surgically managed fractures healed with good limb function restoration. 

Conclusion: This study provides the first description of fracture patterns in cats. These findings can serve as fundamental information for future clinical and epidemiological studies on cat injuries in the region. These results offer an updated insight into fracture patterns in cats in Kuwait and represent the first documented study that could lead to further research. 

Keywords: Bone fractures, Domestic and stray cats, Kuwait, Surgical management, Trauma.

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Introduction

Cats are commonly exposed to various forms of trauma, with bone fractures being among the most frequent injuries encountered in routine veterinary practice. These injuries often occur as a result of falls, traffic accidents, or other types of direct trauma, making orthopedic cases an important part of daily clinical work. Clinical examination serves as the initial diagnosis and is confirmed through X-ray imaging to determine the type of fracture for selecting the appropriate treatment. There are also important factors to consider, such as the fracture location, the animal’s age, sex, weight, breed, and the procedures performed before and after surgery. Although bone fractures in cats are widely reported in different regions, the available published information describing fracture patterns in cats in Kuwait is very limited and may not be well documented. 

A retrospective study showed that long bone and pelvic fractures were among the most common types of fractures encountered in cat patients, and they often require surgical fixation to improve functional outcomes and reduce complications (Klein et al., 2022).

Retrospective epidemiological studies have demonstrated that long bone and pelvic fractures are among the most frequently encountered skeletal injuries in cats, particularly in cases associated with trauma and road traffic accidents (Keosengthong et al., 2019). Surgery plays an important role in the primary treatment of fracture injuries, and advances in orthopedic surgical techniques, including plate fixation and intramedullary nailing, have improved functional outcomes and reduced complication rates in cats (Johnson et al., 2011).

The literature on fracture management in small animals highlights that long bone fractures require careful surgical planning to achieve stable fixation and improve functional outcomes, with techniques such as plating, intramedullary pinning, and external skeletal fixation being widely used (Miller and Griffon, 2021).

Accurate diagnosis and classification of fractures in feline patients rely heavily on diagnostic imaging, particularly radiography, which plays a crucial role in guiding appropriate treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes (Culp et al., 2013).

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Materials and Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Gulf Pets Clinic, Kuwait, from October 2024 to October 2025. The retrospective design enabled systematic documentation of fracture patterns and surgical outcomes, providing the first reference data from Kuwait. A total of 325 cats, including males and females, of mixed breeds. Various fractures were recorded based on clinical diagnosis and confirmed by X-rays.

Study design and case selection

This study included cats with bone injuries, including fractures, confirmed by clinical examination and radiographic assessment during the study period. Cats of all ages, sexes, and breeds with one or more confirmed fractures were included. Cats with incomplete medical records or inadequate radiographic images were excluded from the study. The fracture diagnosis was based on clinical findings and standard radiographic examinations. To ensure consistency in diagnosis, all radiographs were interpreted by licensed veterinary surgeons.

Surgical management

Fracture management was performed either conservatively or surgically, depending on the type, location, and severity of the fracture, as well as the age and general condition of the cat. Surgical fixation methods include the use of bone plates, intramedullary pins, cerclage wires, K-wires, or external coaptation (casts or splints). The fixation technique was selected based on routine veterinary orthopedic principles and surgeon preference.

Ethical approval

Cases were retrospectively recorded, and all treatments were part of routine veterinary practice. Owner consent was obtained at the time of treatment.

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Results

Among the 325 recorded cases, the most affected bones were the lumbar vertebrae (25 cases), femur (20 cases), humerus (20 cases), mandible (15 cases), and pelvis (22 cases).

Healing outcomes

Most cases that underwent internal fixation with plates and screws showed excellent fracture healing with limb function restoration within 6–10 weeks. 

Complications

Delayed union, non-union, and postoperative infection occurred in a limited number of cases (approximately 8%–10%), mostly associated with open fractures and severe fragmentation. 

Most cats recovered well and regained normal vitality. 

The most affected anatomical regions were the lumbar vertebrae (7.7%), hip joint (8.6%), pelvis (6.8%), femur (6.2%), and humerus (6.2%), according to the distribution of fractures in the 325 cats. Fractures of the mandible (4.6%), tail (4.0%), and tibia (3.7%) were less frequent, whereas injuries to the skull, forelimb phalanges, and caudal vertebrae were rare (<1%) (Table 1). 

Analysis of fracture cases by sex revealed that male cats accounted for 63.7% of the cases, whereas females accounted for 36.3% (Table 2). 

The distribution of fracture cases according to age showed that most affected cats were younger than 3 years, with 29.5% under 6 months, 17.8% between 6 months and 1 year, and 31.4% between 1 and 3 years. Cats aged >3 years accounted for 20.6% of cases (Table 3). 

Domestic and mixed-breed cats accounted for most fracture cases (54.8%), which is consistent with previous studies reporting higher trauma incidence among free-roaming or semi-owned cats due to increased exposure to environmental hazards. Persian and Scottish Fold cats accounted for 17.2% and 7.4% of cases, respectively, likely reflecting their relative abundance in the local population and indoor housing practices. Less common breeds, including American Shorthair, Arabian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, and Burmese/other, accounted for a smaller proportion of cases. Unspecified breed information was noted in 12.9% of cases, highlighting occasional gaps in medical records (Table 4). 

Representative images of cat fracture cases of cats presented to the Gulf Pets Clinic, Kuwait City, from October 2024 to October 2025 are shown in Figures 1–18.

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Discussion

This retrospective observational study provides an overview of injury and fracture patterns in cats in the State of Kuwait, including 325 cases recorded at Gulf Pets Clinic between October 2024 and October 2025.

Several epidemiological studies have reported a male predominance in trauma among cats, suggesting that males are more exposed to risk-prone situations than females. For example, in a UK study of 128 cats injured or killed in road traffic accidents, more males were affected than females (Rochlitz, 2004). In a case-control study of 117 cats, the odds of a male being involved in a road traffic accident were 1.9 times those of a female (Rochlitz, 2003). 

Cats younger than 3 years represented the majority of cases (61.3%), which may be attributed to increased activity levels and exploratory behavior commonly observed in younger animals, a finding consistent with previous epidemiological studies reporting trauma as a frequent cause of presentation and mortality in young feline populations (Gregory et al., 2023).

Domestic and mixed-breed cats were the most affected (54.8%), followed by Persian (17.2%) and Scottish Fold (7.4%). Anatomically, the most frequently fractured regions were the lumbar vertebrae (7.7%), pelvis (6.8%), femur (6.2%), humerus (6.2%), mandible (4.6%), and hip luxations and dislocations (8.6%).

These results indicate the need to take targeted preventive measures, early medical intervention, and increase public awareness to reduce cat injuries in Kuwait. 

Second, because the study was conducted in a single clinic, the results may not fully represent the overall feline population in Kuwait. Finally, the lack of advanced biomechanical testing or implant comparison limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the superiority of one fixation method over another. 

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Conclusion

This may be the first documented study in Kuwait to record bone fractures in cats. Males and young cats were the most affected, with domestic and mixed-breed cats representing most cases. The most common injuries were lumbar vertebrae, pelvis, femur, humerus, mandible, and hip dislocation. These findings highlight the need to increase public awareness, implement preventive measures, and ensure prompt clinical management to reduce the occurrence and severity of cat injuries. Additional studies are recommended to explore risk factors, long-term outcomes, and effective prevention strategies. 

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Acknowledgments

None. 

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. 

Funding

This study received no external funding. 

Authors’ contributions

Khalifah Khalaf Khatam Ali contributed to the study design, data collection, clinical management of cases, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. Samer Rashed Nouh, Mahmoud H. Elkammar, and Howaida M. Abou-Ahmed contributed to data interpretation, manuscript revision, and scientific supervision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. 

Data availability

The data supporting the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author. 

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References

Culp, W.T.N., Mejia, M. and Vernau, W. 2013. Diagnostic imaging of appendicular fractures. Vet. Clin. North. Am. Small. Anim. Pract. 43, 773–795.

Gregory, C.W., Davros, A.M., Cockrell, D.M. and Hall, K.E. 2023. Evaluation of outcome associated with feline trauma: a Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry study. J. Vet. Emerg. Crit. Care 33, 201–207.

Johnson, A.L., Hulse, D.A. and Denny, H.R. 2011. Orthopedic Surgery in Small Animals: techniques and Outcomes. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.

Keosengthong, A., Kampa, N., Jitpean, S., Seesupa, S., Kunkitti, P. and Hoisang, S. 2019. Incidence and classification of bone fracture in dogs and cats: a retrospective study at a veterinary teaching hospital (2013–2016). Vet. Integr. Sci. 17, 127–139.

Klein, M.J., Uhl, E. and Brunnberg, L. 2022. Epidemiology and outcome of fractures in feline small animal patients: a retrospective clinical study. J. Feline. Med. Surg. 24, 412–420.

Miller, C.W. and Griffon, D.J. 2021. Long Bone Fracture Management in Small Animals: current Concepts and Techniques. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.

Rochlitz, I. 2003. Study of factors that may predispose domestic cats to road traffic accidents: part 1. Vet. Rec. 153, 549–553.

Rochlitz, I. 2004. Clinical study of cats injured and killed in road traffic in Cambridgeshire. Vet. Rec. 153, 590–592.

Table 2. Distribution of fracture cases in cats according to gender. 

Table 1. Distribution of feline fracture cases by anatomical site and injury type (n=325.) 

Fig. 2. Scottish Fold, male, 4 years mandibular and maxillary fractures (fatal case).

Fig. 3. Domestic cat, female, 1 year old, rib fracture. 

Table 3. Distribution of fracture cases according to age in cats' group (n=325). 

Table 4. Distribution of fracture cases in cats according to b-score Reed (n=325). 

Fig. 6. Shirazi (Persian), female, 2 years old, radius fracture.

Fig. 5. Domestic cat, male, 3 years old, digit fracture managed surgically pin fixation.

Fig. 4. Domestic cat, female, 1 year old, rib fracture. 

Fig. 8. Shirazi Persian, male,1.5 months, tibia and tail fractures with abscess.

Fig. 9. Domestic cat, male, 2 years old, femur fracture.

Fig. 10. American Shorthair, male, 2 years old, femoral head fracture.

Fig. 1. Norwegian forest cat, male, 1 year old, soft palate and mandibular fractures.

Fig. 7. Domestic cat, female, 1 year old, rib fracture. 

Fig. 14. Scottish Fold, female,1 year old, tibial fracture.

Fig. 12. Scottish fold cat with a condylar fracture.

Fig. 13. Domestic cat, male, 4 years old, condylar, fractures.

Fig. 11. A British short-haired cat with a condylar fracture.

Fig. 15. Arabian Mau, male, 3 months of age, tibial fracture managed using pin–plate fixation.

Fig. 16. Domestic cat, male, 4 months of age, hind limb injury required ring amputation.

Fig. 18. Domestic cat, female, 1 year old, pelvic fracture.

Fig. 17. Short hair of a domestic cat—pelvic/caudal vertebral fracture surgically repaired using a screw.