Hemotórax Secundario A Síndrome De Gran Altura En Un Felino Doméstico: Reporte De Caso Clínico.

Abstract

High-rise syndrome, also known as cat parachute syndrome or HRS, refers to cats falling from considerable heights, usually from buildings with two or more stories that have balconies, terraces, or windows. These falls are often related to the cat's behavior, with young, active cats that have been introduced to a new home and are unfamiliar with their surroundings being particularly prone. The result is multiple trauma with possible thoracoabdominal, pelvic, spinal, and orofacial injuries, limb fractures, and dislocations. We report the case of a young, four-month-old domestic cat that was admitted to the emergency department after falling from a sixth floor. Physical examination revealed hypothermia, generalized pain on palpation, tachycardia, tachypnea, and bilateral epistaxis without active bleeding at the time of evaluation. Inpatient care was initiated, and additional tests were performed, including a complete blood count, electrolytes, arterial blood gas analysis, skull, chest, and abdominal X-rays, along with abdominal and thoracic ultrasound. Imaging confirmed the presence of free fluid in the chest, around the right hemithorax, and ruled out injuries or fractures. Initial treatment was initiated with fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, pain management, hemorrhage control, and thoracic cavity intervention via thoracentesis, followed by the placement of a chest drain. This allowed for the periodic removal of bloody pleural fluid, consistent with hemothorax, favoring the patient's clinical evolution.