Analisi retrospettiva in 63 animali randagi con trauma cranico

Traumatic lesions are common presentations in stray animals. Aims of the study is to describe the main epidemiological variables in stray animals affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) and verify their prognostic value. Moreover the aim is to compare the severity of brain lesions in MRI with the severity of TBI. The medical records of all the stray animals affected by TBI were considered. 'The data were classified and compared statistically using chi-square test assuming P <0.05. The severity of lesions observed in MRI study was correlated with the severity of TBI Among stray animals affected by traumatic lesion, the prevalence of TBI was 11.4%. Cats and dogs weighting < 15 kg were the most affected. Vehicular trauma was the main cause (82.5%). The majority (63.5%) of animals suffered of /Multiple injuries, and of preexisting illness (52.4%). Mild TBI was observed in 24 animals, moderate TBI in 14 and severe TBI in 25. Mortality rate was 47.6%; it was higher in severe TBI and poly traumatized patients. Full neurological recovery was registered in 94% of surviving animals. The severity of brain injury obtained with AIRI was correlated to the severity of TBI (R2=0.5405). Mortality rate was correlated with the TBI severity and with multiple injuries outside the brain. Neurological recovery was not associated with the severity of TBI at the first presentation. MRI can be used in decision making in TBI.