Lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease in six cats

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Comparative Medicine
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease (LS-IVDD) is a recognized neurological condition in felines.
• Clinical signs often include pain, paresis, and altered elimination, significantly impacting quality of life.
• Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for successful management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and surgical outcomes of cats with LS-IVDD.
• To evaluate the efficacy of dorsal decompressive laminectomy for treating LS-IVDD in cats.
• To identify prognostic indicators for recovery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records from six cats diagnosed with LS-IVDD.
• Clinical signs, physical examination findings (including lumbosacral hyperpathia), and diagnostic imaging (CT, myelography) were analyzed.
• All cats underwent dorsal decompressive laminectomy at the L(7)-S(1) interspace.

Main Results:

• Common clinical signs included reluctance to ambulate, pelvic-limb paresis, urinary incontinence, and constipation.
• CT and myelography confirmed extradural spinal cord compression at the L(7)-S(1) interspace in affected cats.
• Postoperative follow-up (3-35 months) revealed excellent outcomes in most cats following surgical decompression.

Conclusions:

• Dorsal decompressive laminectomy is an effective surgical treatment for lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease in cats.
• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can lead to significant improvement in neurological function and quality of life.
• LS-IVDD should be considered in cats presenting with the described clinical signs.