Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Quality of life in cats with paraparesis and urinary retention
By Canal, Sara et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2024·Department of Veterinary Medicine, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Assessment of the quality of life of cats affected by paraparesis/paraplegia and urinary retention, and their impact on caregivers.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with severe spinal cord issues, including paraplegia (loss of movement in the back legs) and urinary retention, were studied to see how their quality of life (QoL) was affected. Surprisingly, many of these cats were able to maintain a good QoL, whether they lived in homes or shelters. Owners reported that they could manage their cats' care, including learning to express their cats' bladders, often within a month. Most caregivers felt positive about their experiences and did not consider euthanasia, highlighting that with the right support and veterinary care, cats with these conditions can still lead fulfilling lives.
People also search for: cat paraplegia care · managing urinary retention in cats · quality of life for disabled cats
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: In cats affected by severe thoracolumbar spinal cord pathologies, paraplegia and paraparesis, often accompanied by urinary retention, pose significant challenges, impacting both the cats' welfare and owners' lives. This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of cats affected by these conditions, and to evaluate the social and familial implications for caregivers. METHODS: The study was structured into two parts. The first part comprised direct observations of aspects of QoL in cats both in household and shelter settings, while the second part involved the distribution of questionnaires to cat owners and shelter operators. RESULTS: Cats with paraplegia/paraparesis and urinary retention can maintain a good QoL, with hindlimb mobility significantly influencing QoL scores. Shelter cats showed a comparable QoL to household cats, challenging the anecdotal beliefs that shelter cats with severe neurological impairments are destined to lead substandard lives. Operator surveys highlighted the feasibility of managing these cats in shelter environments, emphasising the importance of collaboration between caregivers and veterinary professionals. Likewise, owner surveys revealed a manageable time commitment for care, with most owners achieving proficiency in manual bladder expression within 1 month. Despite challenges, most of the owners reported positive experiences and did not contemplate euthanasia for their cats. Regular veterinary visits and occasional physiotherapy were common practices among caregivers. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Owners who respond to the questionnaire and shelter operators have a high commitment to cats with paraplegia/paraparesis. Although the study acknowledges this potential bias, it suggests that dedicated care can ensure a good QoL for cats with severe spinal injuries, both in shelter and household settings. Effective communication between caregivers and veterinary professionals is essential for accurate information dissemination and optimal care provision. This research contributes to raising awareness of managing these conditions and emphasises the importance of collaborative care approaches in veterinary medicine.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39451121/