POLYTRAUMA IN TWO-MONTH-OLD (Felis catus domesticus) UNDERGOING SURGICAL TREATMENT: CASE REPORT

A two-month-old, 0.7 kg male mixed-breed cat was examined and referred for surgery at a veterinary clinic in Rio de Janeiro. The clinical history indicated that the cat had been found abandoned, presenting with difficulty walking, lateral recumbency, and vocalization as a sign of pain. Clinical and imaging examinations diagnosed intestinal eventration in the lateral abdominal region and a Salter-Harris fracture of the left femur. Exploration of the abdominal cavity during surgery revealed intestinal eventration and incomplete rupture of the diaphragm at its costal insertion. Complete exploration of the abdominal cavity in this case of polytrauma allowed for the repair of the affected structures. The animal was discharged 48 hours after surgery without postoperative complications and returned for follow-up two months later in good health. The young age of the animal, the polytrauma, and the need for surgical treatment are noteworthy. Early intervention by a specialized multidisciplinary team was crucial for the recovery of respiratory and cardiovascular parameters and for a better prognosis. However, even with the increased risk associated with the time elapsed since the injury, curative surgical treatment was recommended.