Fracture of the Femur in Cats

Fracture of the Femur in Cats

By: Dr. David Diamond

Section: Information In-depth

Of all of the long bone fractures (humerus, femur, radius/ulna and tibia), femoral fractures are the most common, comprising approximately 20 to 25 percent of all fractures in small animal practices.

Motor vehicle trauma is the most frequent cause of femoral fractures, and the victims tend to be young, non-neutered males who roam away from home and get hit by a car. Cats of both sexes and of any age are susceptible to this type of trauma if not kept restrained.

Cats can develop non-traumatic fractures of the femur when certain disease conditions exist. These fractures, also known as "pathologic fractures" are commonly caused by:

  • Malnourishment
  • Systemic illness such as kidney disease
  • Endocrine disorder such as hyperparathyroidism
  • Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
  • Cancer (neoplasia) of the bone

    Immature bones have growth plates (physes) that are still "open" and growing.
    These regions of the young bone are generally weaker than the bone that has already been created. The energy of a trauma often results in fracture at these parts of the immature bone and can lead to premature "closure" of the physes resulting in abnormal growth of either end of the femur. Frequently encountered fractures of the immature femur include:

  • Physeal fractures at the end of the bone near the hip joint
  • At the distal physis near the knee
  • Fractures of the middle of the bone

    Mature bones have more uniform strength along their entire length and the energy of each particular trauma may lead to fractures in various portions of the bone. Frequently encountered fractures of the mature femur include femoral neck fractures, femoral shaft fractures, and joint fractures involving the stifle or hip.

    Fractures of the midshaft (diaphysis) of the femur can be classified as "open" or "closed" depending on whether the skin surface has been damaged during the injury. Open fractures have a greater chance of getting infected and may have more complications than closed fractures.

    As with all fractures, fractures of the femur can also be classified as "simple," if the bone breaks into two pieces, or "comminuted," if there are multiple pieces.

    Each case of femoral fracture needs to be evaluated in its entirety, including the age of your pet, the severity of the fracture, the experience of the surgeon and financial concerns of the owner, to determine the most appropriate treatment. Inappropriate case management, inadequate surgical stabilization, or poor aftercare can lead to complications such as non-unions (fractures that will not heal), malunions (fractures that heal in an abnormal direction or orientation), osteomyelitis (bone infection) or a non-functional leg.

    •  
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Review the Most Frequent Questions
    Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
    Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Fracture Repair in Cats

      A fracture is any break in bone or cartilage, whether it is complete or incomplete. With any fracture there is also damage to the surrounding soft tissues. The fracture must be immobilized to allow it...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Lameness (limping) in Cats

      Lameness can be extremely subtle or profound, affecting one limb or several limbs. It can be intermittent or constant, worse in the morning, worse at night, worse after rest, worse after or during exercise. ...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 General Fracture Information in Cats

      A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Although we commonly think of fractures as involving a leg, it is also possible to fracture the skull, jaw, spine, ribs, pelvis and fingers, as well as the long...

      Read MoreRead More
    Related Articles
    • 1Lameness (limping) in Cats

      Lameness can be extremely subtle or profound, affecting one limb or several limbs. It can be intermittent or constant, worse in the morning, worse at night, worse after rest, worse after or during exercise. ...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2General Fracture Information in Cats

      A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Although we commonly think of fractures as involving a leg, it is also possible to fracture the skull, jaw, spine, ribs, pelvis and fingers, as well as the long...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Fracture Repair in Cats

      A fracture is any break in bone or cartilage, whether it is complete or incomplete. With any fracture there is also damage to the surrounding soft tissues. The fracture must be immobilized to allow it...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Lameness (limping) in Cats

      Lameness can be extremely subtle or profound, affecting one limb or several limbs. It can be intermittent or constant, worse in the morning, worse at night, worse after rest, worse after or during exercise. ...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2General Fracture Information in Cats

      A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Although we commonly think of fractures as involving a leg, it is also possible to fracture the skull, jaw, spine, ribs, pelvis and fingers, as well as the long...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Fracture Repair in Cats

      A fracture is any break in bone or cartilage, whether it is complete or incomplete. With any fracture there is also damage to the surrounding soft tissues. The fracture must be immobilized to allow it...

      Read MoreRead More


    Local Pet Information Guide
     Alabama
     Alaska
     Arizona
     Arkansas
     California
     Colorado
     Connecticut
     DC
     Delaware
     Florida
     Georgia
     Hawaii
     Idaho
     Illinois
     Indiana
     Iowa
     Kansas
     Kentucky
     Louisiana
     Maine
     Maryland
     Massachusetts
     Michigan
     Minnesota
     Mississippi
     Missouri
     Montana
     Nebraska
     Nevada
     New Hampshire
     New Jersey
     New Mexico
     New York
     North Carolina
     North Dakota
     Ohio
     Oklahoma
     Oregon
     Pennsylvania
     Rhode Island
     South Carolina
     South Dakota
     Tennessee
     Texas
     Utah
     Vermont
     Virginia
     Washington
     West Virginia
     Wisconsin
     Wyoming