title: Head trauma in the cat: 1. assessment and management of craniofacial injury.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Feline trauma is commonly seen in general practice and frequently involves damage to the head.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  While craniofacial injuries following trauma vary widely in severity, affected cats can often be severely compromised in terms of their neurological, respiratory and cardiovascular status, and their management can be challenging in both the short and long term. They need prompt stabilisation and careful monitoring in the initial period to maximise prospects of a successful outcome. Many cats with severe facial trauma will require surgery to stabilise skull fractures or address injuries to the eyes, with its inherent issues surrounding pain management, ensuring adequate nutrition and the necessity for ongoing hospitalisation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cats with head trauma benefit from imaging of the injured areas as well as thoracic radiography. Imaging the skull can be challenging and is best performed under general anaesthesia. In unstable patients this can be delayed to prevent any associated morbidity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The clinical evidence base relating to injury to the feline head is limited, despite its relative frequency in general practice. This review focuses on the initial approach to craniofacial (in particular, ocular and jaw) trauma, and outlines simple techniques for management of soft tissue and bone injuries. Much of the information is based on the authors' clinical experience, as there is a paucity of well-described clinical case material.
authors: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK. sadamantos@rvc.ac.uk
authors: Sophie
authors: S
authors: Adamantos
authors: Laurent
authors: L
authors: Garosi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000293:injuries*; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000662:veterinary; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000662:veterinary; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D059408:Pain Management / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*