The Medical Journal of Australia · 2004 · 36 citations · 2 references
MedicineAnimal SciencesCompanion Animal ScienceOlder Adult Injury PreventionRisk Factor AnalysisCompanion Animal GeriatricsFall RiskFracture RiskGeriatric TraumaInjury RiskTrauma ManagementAnimal InjuriesEnvironmental Hazard ExposureFalls In Older AdultsFalls In The ElderlyFracture Risk From FallsOlder Adult PopulationPet-related Environmental HazardsPotential Environmental Impact
OBJECTIVE: To describe fall-related injuries due to pets in an older population. DESIGN: Case series. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Patients aged 75 years and over presenting to the emergency department of a metropolitan hospital in northern Sydney over 18 months, with a fracture directly related to their pet. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Type of fracture; circumstances of injury. RESULTS: 16 cases (mean patient age, 81 years) are described; 13 (81%) involved women. Animals of five species were involved, with cats and dogs being the most common pet hazard. CONCLUSIONS: Pets are a potential environmental hazard in the occurrence of fall-related injuries in older people, with dogs and cats most likely to be involved. Women appear more likely than men to be injured.
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