Cervical ventroflexion in cats: 86 cases (2003-2024)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Internal Medicine
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Cervical ventroflexion, or 'dropped head syndrome', is a recognized but poorly characterized neurological sign in cats.
• Understanding its underlying causes and prognosis is crucial for effective clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize cervical ventroflexion in cats.
• To identify associated diseases.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, two-center study (2003-2024).
• Inclusion criteria: complete medical records, cervical ventroflexion, clinicopathology, and diagnosis.
• Statistical analysis comparing feline hypokalaemic myopathy (FHM) group with other diagnoses.

Main Results:

• 86 cats met inclusion criteria; FHM was the most common diagnosis (48.8%).
• Other diagnoses included hyperthyroidism, thiamine deficiency, and immune-mediated polyneuropathy.
• Absence of other neurological deficits correlated with FHM; lateralization correlated with other conditions.
• Cervical ventroflexion resolved in 75.6% of treated cats.

Conclusions:

• Cervical ventroflexion is a sign associated with FHM (as a sole sign) or other diagnoses (with additional neurological signs).
• The condition is typically reversible with appropriate treatment.
• Findings aid clinicians in diagnosis and treatment decisions, especially under constraints.