Spinal epidural empyema concurrent with sequestrum in a cat: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Comparative Pathology
• Surgical Intervention in Animals

Background:

• Spinal epidural empyema is a serious condition causing neurological deficits.
• Concurrent sequestrum formation in feline spinal infections is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 5-month-old cat presented with recurrent paraplegia and purulent discharge, unresponsive to antibiotics.
• Advanced imaging revealed a contrast-enhancing mass and bone fragments within the spinal canal.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention (hemilaminectomy) successfully removed infected bone fragments (sequestrum).
• The causative agent was identified as Bacteroides sp. infection.
• The cat demonstrated rapid neurological recovery post-operatively.

Implications:

• This case is the first documented instance of concurrent spinal epidural empyema and sequestrum in a cat.
• It expands understanding of complex spinal infections in felines.
• Highlights the importance of surgical debridement for such conditions.