Med. Weter. 81
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| NAHİT SAYLAK, NUR MEHMET PALIAĞA |
| Multivariable analysis of chronic pain–related behavioral outcomes following single and multiple long-bone fracture surgery in cats |
| This prospective clinical study investigated long-term behavioral alterations potentially associated with chronic pain in cats following orthopedic surgery for long-bone fractures and examined whether injuryrelated or environmental factors independently influenced these outcomes. A total of 120 client-owned cats with radiographically confirmed long-bone fractures were allocated into single-fracture (n = 60) and multiplefracture (n = 60) groups. Behavioral changes were assessed at postoperative months 3 and 6 using a standardized owner-reported questionnaire. In univariate analyses, cats with multiple fractures exhibited significantly higher behavioral scores at both time points (p < 0.001). Structured caregiver education was associated with lower behavioral scores, particularly at postoperative month 6 (p < 0.001). However, multivariable linear regression analysis identified household size as the only independent predictor of behavioral scores at month 6 (p < 0.001), whereas fracture type and caregiver education did not retain statistical significance after adjustment. Decreased activity and reduced willingness to jump were the most frequently reported behavioral alterations. These findings suggest that environmental context may exert a stronger influence on long-term behavioral expression than injury severity alone. Integration of environmental assessment into postoperative management may therefore be essential for optimizing long-term outcomes in feline orthopedic patients. |
| Keywords: Behavioral changes; Cat; Chronic pain; Orthopedic surgery; Environmental context; Multivariable analysis |