Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Imaging and histopathologic features of reversible nerve root and peripheral nerve edema secondary to disc herniation in a cat.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2021
- Authors:
- Herzig, Robert et al.
- Affiliation:
- Neurology Department
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old oriental short hair cat was having trouble with its left leg and showed signs of nerve issues due to a herniated disc in its back. The veterinarian used an MRI to find that the cat's nerves were being compressed, which was causing swelling. To help the cat, they performed surgery to remove the herniated disc material and took a small sample of the nerve for further examination. The results showed that the nerves were swollen but could recover. After three months, a follow-up MRI showed that the cat's condition had completely improved.
Abstract
Nerve root enlargement with increased contrast uptake has been reported in dogs and humans secondary to nerve root compression. In cats, nerve root enlargement and contrast uptake only have been reported in association with inflammatory and neoplastic diseases, but not as a sequela to nerve root compression. An 8-year-old oriental short hair cat was presented with acute neurologic deficits consistent with left-sided sciatic nerve deficit and possible L6-S1 myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and identified compression of the cauda equina and L7 nerve root associated with intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) at L6-L7 as well as widespread sciatic nerve enlargement with moderate rim enhancement. A hemilaminectomy was performed to evacuate herniated disc material. The nerve root was biopsied and submitted for histological evaluation. Interstitial nerve edema was diagnosed. Follow-up MRI 3 months postoperatively showed complete remission of the changes. Nerve root thickening together with contrast enhancement may represent nerve edema in cats secondary to IVDH.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33826180/