Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with neck infection from grass awn treated successfully
By Granger, Nicolas et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2007·National Veterinary School of Alfort, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Successful treatment of cervical spinal epidural empyema secondary to grass awn migration in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with severe neck pain and neurological issues was diagnosed with a serious infection in the spinal area caused by a grass awn (a type of plant seed) that had migrated into the body. The cat showed signs of fever and difficulty moving, which can happen with this condition. The veterinarian performed emergency surgery to remove the infection and prescribed antibiotics. Thanks to the quick treatment, the cat was able to make a full recovery.
People also search for: cat neck pain · cat spinal infection treatment · grass awn migration in cats
Abstract
Spinal epidural empyema (SEE) represents a severe pyogenic infection of the epidural space. Clinical signs of the disease are non-specific--increased body temperature, intense neck pain, neurological signs of a transverse myelopathy--and can lead to severe and permanent neurological deficits. This report describes the diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of cervical SEE secondary to grass awn migration in a cat. Although it is uncommon, this disease should be suspected in cats with progressive myelopathy. Early diagnosis and emergency surgery combined with antibiotic therapy are required to allow a complete recovery.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17449314/