Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How vets diagnose spinal disease in cats using symptoms
By Mella, Stephanie L et al.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·2019·Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK, United Kingdom·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Clinical reasoning in feline spinal disease: which combination of clinical information is useful?
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 221 cats with spinal problems were evaluated to identify the most common causes of their symptoms. The study found that middle-aged purebred cats often had intervertebral disc disease, which caused sudden pain and difficulty moving. Older cats were more likely to have ischaemic myelopathy, a non-painful condition, while younger cats frequently suffered from spinal fractures or luxations, leading to sudden pain and inability to walk. Understanding these patterns can help veterinarians make quicker and more accurate diagnoses for cats with spinal issues.
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Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate if a combination of discrete clinical characteristics can be used to identify the most likely differential diagnoses in cats with spinal disease. Methods Two hundred and twenty-one cats referred for further evaluation of spinal disease were included and categorised as follows: non-lymphoid neoplasia (n = 44); intervertebral disc disease (n = 42); fracture/luxation (n = 34); ischaemic myelopathy (n = 22); feline infectious peritonitis virus myelitis (n = 18); lymphoma (n = 16); thoracic vertebral canal stenosis (n = 11); acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (n = 11); traumatic spinal cord contusion (n = 8); spinal arachnoid diverticula (n = 7); lumbosacral stenosis (n = 5); and spinal empyema (n = 3). Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, clinical history and clinical presentation. Univariate analyses of variables (clinical history, breed, age, sex, general physical examination findings, onset, progression, spinal hyperaesthesia, asymmetry, ambulatory status and neuroanatomical location) were performed, and variables were retained in a multivariate logistic regression model if P <0.05. Results Multivariate logistic regression revealed that intervertebral disc disease most often occurred in middle-aged, purebred cats with a normal general physical examination and an acute onset of painful and progressive clinical signs. Ischaemic myelopathy occurred most often in older cats with a stable or improving, non-painful, lateralising, C6–T2 myelopathy. Spinal fracture/luxation occurred most often in younger cats and resulted most often in a peracute onset, painful, non-ambulatory neurological status. Concurrent systemic abnormalities or abnormal findings detected on general physical examination were significantly associated with feline infectious peritonitis virus myelitis, spinal lymphoma or spinal empyema. Conclusions and relevance This study suggests that using easily identifiable characteristics from the history and clinical examination can assist in obtaining a preliminary differential diagnosis when evaluating cats with spinal disease. This information could aid veterinary practitioners in clinical decision-making.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612x19858447