Estimation of percent body surface area in cats with use of computed tomography.

Objective: To establish a baseline reference and create a user-friendly chart for normal body surface area (BSA) in the adult domestic cat similar to the "Rule of Nines" chart.
Design: Prospective cadaveric study.
Setting: University Teaching Hospital.
Animals: Seven adult domestic short-haired feline cadavers of normal body condition (4-6/9) and body weight.
Intervention: Individual whole-body computed tomography (CT) scan was performed on all cats. Images were analyzed with 3-dimensional technology to measure the BSA. A chart was created, illustrating the individual surface area of each body part.
Measurements and Main Results: Obtained measurements of the cats are different from surface areas of people and dogs. Percentage of total BSA for cats was as follows: head 13%, neck 5%, thorax 20%, abdomen 15%, pelvis and tail 9%, front legs 7% each, and pelvic legs 12% each.
Conclusion: The distribution of BSA between body parts is different in cats compared to dogs and people. A species-specific chart was created to assure a more accurate estimation of BSA in cats.
(© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.)