The Effects of Diagnostic Anatomical Features on Treatment and Recovery in Feline Spinal Trauma

Background: Spinal trauma remains a clinically significant condition in small animal practice. A thorough understanding of spinal anatomy is essential for accurate lesion localization, appropriate implant selection, optimal surgical planning, and improved treatment outcomes in feline spinal trauma. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate treatment strategies and outcomes in cats with spinal trauma by integrating diagnostic anatomical features with surgical planning. Methods: A total of 20 cats were included, and the location, type, and severity of the spinal lesions were determined through comprehensive clinical, radiographic, neurological, and orthopedic examinations. Surgical stabilization was performed using a polyaxial screw-rod system for thoracic vertebral injuries and a String-of-Pearls (SOP) plate for lumbar vertebral lesions. The type and size of implant used during these procedures were determined according to the anatomical characteristics in each case. In cases with spinal cord compression, decompressive procedures, including laminectomy or hemilaminectomy, were carried out as indicated. Results: The results demonstrated that the surgical stabilization and decompression techniques used in this study provided satisfactory spinal stability and significant functional improvement in most cats. Conclusions: This is related to a good understanding of the lesion type and the anatomical features of the affected spine, as these anatomical features determine not only surgical planning but also the method and implant size to be used.