Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with chronic back pain and paralysis from spinal abscess
By Miki, Shingo et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2022·Maizuru Animal Medical Center, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Chronic spinal epidural abscess in a cat: a case report with an unusual imaging finding.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat was brought to the vet for ongoing back pain, difficulty urinating, and inability to walk. Imaging tests revealed a spinal epidural abscess (a pocket of infection pressing on the spinal cord) in the cat's back. After surgery to relieve the pressure and a course of antibiotics, the cat was able to regain its ability to walk and control its bladder. This case highlights the importance of quick treatment for spinal abscesses, which can be serious.
People also search for: cat back pain · cat unable to walk · cat urinary problems · spinal abscess treatment in cats · cat surgery recovery
Abstract
A 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for a chronic history of back pain, dysuria, and paraplegia. Radiographic and computed tomographic examinations showed circumferential widening of the vertebral canal at T13 and T14. A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) compressing the spinal cord from the level of T11 to L1 was suspected following intravenous contrast administration, and was confirmed by surgical exploration and histopathological analysis. The cat recovered its motor and bladder functions following surgical decompression and antibiotic therapy. SEA is a neurological emergency requiring prompt treatment. However, the present case had a prolonged disease course and pressure atrophy of the vertebrae was strongly suspected. To our knowledge, this imaging finding has not been reported in dogs or cats with SEA.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34840200/