Neurological lameness in the cat: common causes and clinical approach

Neurological causes of lameness are infrequently seen in cats but they are an important consideration when an obvious orthopaedic cause cannot be identified. Monoparetic cats are also frequently presented for veterinary investigation with the main complaint being lameness.

Neurological causes of lameness may be difficult to determine without access to advanced imaging modalities, electrodiagnostics or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

This review, aimed at all veterinarians who treat cats, sets out to describe the specific approach to cats with lameness that cannot be attributed to an orthopaedic cause. It describes the diagnosis and management of the most common neurological conditions responsible for lameness or monoparesis in cats.