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Lumbar intervertebral foraminal disc extrusion in a cat.
Daniel Ryan1, Giunio Bruto Cherubini1
1Neurology and Neurosurgery Service, Dick White Referrals, part of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Cambridge, UK.
JFMS Open Reports
|September 15, 2022
Summary
This case report details a cat with sudden pelvic limb lameness due to a lumbar foraminal intervertebral disc extrusion. Prompt medical management led to significant recovery, highlighting this condition in feline neurology.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Feline Medicine
- Comparative Orthopedics
Background:
- Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) is a common cause of neurological deficits in dogs.
- Lumbar IVDE is less frequently reported in cats, with foraminal extrusions being particularly rare.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old domestic longhair cat presented with acute onset lethargy, hyporexia, and right pelvic limb lameness.
- Neurological examination suggested a right femoral nerve localization.
- Radiographs revealed a dorsally displaced L5-L6 intervertebral disc; MRI confirmed a right L5-L6 neuritis secondary to foraminal disc extrusion.
Findings:
- Successful medical management including rest and analgesia resulted in near-complete resolution of clinical signs within 37 days.
- This case represents the first reported instance of lumbar foraminal intervertebral disc extrusion in a feline patient.
Implications:
- Lumbar foraminal intervertebral disc extrusion should be included in the differential diagnosis for acute pelvic limb lameness in cats, even without overt neurological deficits.
- This finding expands the understanding of spinal pathologies in cats and informs diagnostic and treatment strategies.
