Citation

Kurrle SE, Day R, Cameron ID. Med. J. Aust. 2004; 181(11-12): 682-683.

Affiliation

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service, Palmerston Road, Hornsby, NSW 2077, Australia. kurrle@bigpond.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Australian Medical Association, Publisher Australasian Medical Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15588212

Abstract

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.