Lily is a 1-year-old female spayed Domestic Shorthair Cat who was presented to the VSB Surgery Service for evaluation of pelvic injuries, which occurred when Lily was run over by a car.

Radiographs performed by the primary veterinarian demonstrated a left ilial body fracture, multiple pubic and ischial fractures, a right sacroiliac luxation, and suspicion of a caudal abdominal wall tear. During initial stabilization by the VSB Emergency service, the urinary bladder was found to be herniated into the left inguinal space. The urinary bladder was decompressed via cystocentesis and Lily was generally stabilized while awaiting surgical consultation.

While cage confinement can be successful in many cases of pelvic fractures, those within the “weight-bearing chain” (the acetabulum, ilium, and sacroiliac joint) generally benefit from surgical stabilization. Pelvic fracture repair will result in a more rapid return to comfort and function, better restoration of pelvic canal diameter, lower rates of malunion/nonunion, and decreased chances of long-term complications from the injuries.

In Lily's case, Dr. Moser chose to stabilize the left ilial fracture using a locking T-plate and then stabilize the right sacroiliac joint using two screws. This resulted in excellent restoration of the pelvic canal, as demonstrated on postoperative radiographs. The prepubic tendon was found to be intact, but damage to the muscles overlying the pubic fractures resulted in an abdominal wall defect just caudal to the brim of the pelvis. This defect was closed by apposing the damaged muscles in the area.

At Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham, we provide emergency and surgery care for pets in the greater Birmingham Alabama area. Our surgery department includes 3 veterinary surgeons expertly skilled in orthopedic, soft-tissue, and minimally invasive surgery.

If you have a patient who needs a surgical consultation, please fill out our online referral form here. Our surgery department is currently taking same-week consultations and currently offering outpatient, elective surgical procedures. Call (205) 967-9107 to speak with a member of our care team today.