Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cervical ventroflexion in cats causes and outcomes 2003-2024
By Karpozilou, Athina et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2025·Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Cervical ventroflexion in cats: 86 cases (2003-2024).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 86 cats with a condition called cervical ventroflexion, where their necks bend downwards, were studied to find out what might be causing it and how effective treatments were. The most common cause was a condition called feline hypokalaemic myopathy (FHM), which affects muscle function due to low potassium levels. Other causes included hyperthyroidism and thiamine deficiency. Most of the cats received treatment based on their specific diagnosis, and about 76% showed improvement and had their necks return to normal by the time they were discharged.
People also search for: cat neck bending down · cervical ventroflexion in cats · feline hypokalaemic myopathy treatment · cat hyperthyroidism symptoms · thiamine deficiency in cats
Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to characterise cervical ventroflexion in cats, investigate which diseases are associated with its occurrence and evaluate treatment outcome.MethodsThis retrospective, two-centre study spans the period from 2003 to 2024. The inclusion criteria consisted of complete medical records, presence of cervical ventroflexion, baseline clinicopathological testing and a diagnosis. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all cats. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to compare the feline hypokalaemic myopathy (FHM) group vs all other diagnoses.ResultsA total of 86 cats met the inclusion criteria. The most common diagnoses associated with cervical ventroflexion were FHM (42/86, 48.8%), hyperthyroidism (10/86, 11.6%), thiamine deficiency (9/86, 10.5%), immune-mediated polyneuropathy (6/86, 7%), cervical ischaemic myelopathy (5/86, 5.8%), acquired myasthenia gravis (3/86, 3.5%) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) meningoencephalomyelitis (3/86, 3.5%). Absence of additional neurological deficits ( = 0.020) was significantly associated with a diagnosis of FHM, whereas lateralisation of neurological signs ( = 0.004) was negatively associated with FHM. In most of the cats (65/86, 75.6%) that received treatment depending on the diagnosis, cervical ventroflexion had been reversible upon discharge.Conclusions and relevanceCervical ventroflexion is a neurological sign associated with either FHM when present as the sole sign, or another diagnosis when accompanied by additional neurological signs. It is usually reversible with treatment. This information may further assist clinicians in decision-making, especially when time or financial constraints exist.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40692342/