Compression of spinal cord caused by spinal deformation in a cat

An 8-month-old cat with bilateral hindlimb paresis was admitted. Radiography revealed a curvature of the thoracic spine and a partial deformation of thoracolumbar vertebrae (dorsal extrusion of the cranial and caudal edges). Compression of the spinal cord (T9-L1 and L6-7) was found by myelography. Medicinal treatment did not yield the desired result. Hemilaminectomy and laminectomy were done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord leading to improved gait. It is, however, not clear whether this syndrome was primarily caused by metabolic or genetic factors.