What is Fracture of the Spine?
A cat’s spine is made up of 30 small bones or vertebrae, plus more for the tail, which fit together to house and protect the spinal cord. A fracture of the spine involves damage or breaks to the individual bones, which can put pressure on the the spine causing pain or even paralysis. This is a serious condition that requires emergency stabilization if more serious complications such as loss of mobility or bladder control are to be avoided.
A fractured spine involves damage to the bones of the backbone that protect the spinal cord, which, if severe, can result in paralysis.
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Symptoms of Fracture of the Spine in Cats
Fractured bones are painful, and more specific symptoms depend on where the injury is (such as neck, chest, or lower back) and the pressure on the spinal cord. In addition, damage is often the result of trauma, and so other injuries may be present.
Signs of Trauma
- Bleeding wounds
- Scuff injuries to the skin
- Heavy or rapid breathing
- Weakness and collapse
- Fractures of the limbs or jaw
Pain
- Attempting to hide
- Aggressive behavior when approached
- Abnormal posture
- Standing with the head down
- Unnaturally arched back
Impaired Nerve Function
- Inability to walk
- Dragging the back legs
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
Causes of Fracture of the Spine in Cats
Bone fractures rarely occur spontaneously and are usually the result of trauma. The exception is certain bone cancers which weaken the bone, but these are rare.
- Falling from a height
- Collision with a motor vehicle
- Dog bites
- Gunshot injuries
- Running head first into a door or wall
- Kicks or physical abuse
- Bone cancer
Diagnosis of Fracture of the Spine in Cats
A cat in pain, showing signs of trauma, and with areas of numbness should be assumed to have spinal damage until proven otherwise. This means it is necessary to take care when moving the cat, so as not to cause further damage.
The vet assesses the cat for shock and will provide immediate supportive care with intravenous fluids and pain relief if required. The vet examines the cat, paying particular attention to nerve function and any areas of poor sensation on the skin or limbs. This narrows down areas of the spine for investigation.
Imaging is key to diagnosis, with x-rays being most cost effective. Taking great care to handle the spine gently, two views of each area of the spine are taken. This pinpoints areas of damage and maps out bone displacement. For greater detail of bone injuries, a CT scan may be performed, whilst an MRI scan is most useful for assessing the spinal cord.
This provides vital information as to the nature of the injury (fracture, dislocation, or cancer), how severe the injury is, and the implications for repair and recovery.
Blood tests may be required to check for organ damage in the case of trauma, and to look for signs of metabolic disease which could weaken the bones.
Treatment of Fracture of the Spine in Cats
The vet administers pain relief and supportive care in order to stabilize the patient. A major worry is the movement of bone pieces and further damage the spinal cord, so the cat may be sedated or immobilized on a bodyboard.
The vet may repeat neurological exams at regular intervals in order to check the patient's status. For those cases that are rapidly deteriorating, have severe spinal injuries, nerve damage, and poor chances of recovery, euthanasia may be the most humane option.
For the remainder, either strict rest or surgical stabilization are required. For minor fractures involving parts of the vertebra that don't impact on the spinal cord, then a body brace and cage rest for four to six weeks may be all that's necessary.
However, surgical intervention is often needed. The surgeon will assess the best way to stabilize the fracture from options including:
- Pins
- Plates
- Screws
- Wires
- Cement polymers
- External fixation devices
Surgery on the spine requires a high skill level, and complications can include poor alignment of the bone pieces, swelling putting pressure on the spine, infection, and movement of the implant. After successful surgery it is essential the owner keeps their pet confined, to reduce the risk of implants loosening or moving out of place.
In addition, skin wounds may need debridement and suturing. The vet may also suggest neutering intact animals, in order to reduce the future risk of wandering and getting into accidents.
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Recovery of Fracture of the Spine in Cats
The cat must be confined until the bones are healed. This may take anywhere from one to four months. During this time it may be necessary to nurse the cat and prevent them getting pressure sores or to manually express their bladder.
Skin sutures from surgery are removed approximately 10 - 14 days later. The vet will perform follow up x-rays after about one month, to check that the position of any implants and that healing has started. Depending on how the cat responds clinically, final radiographs may be needed before the cat is signed off. Metal implants are usually left in place and only removed if they cause a problem.
Fracture of the Spine Average Cost
From 585 quotes ranging from $2,000 - $6,000
Average Cost
$4,000
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Fracture of the Spine Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Long hair domestic
Ollie
9 Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
As Above
9 year old male cat, 4.6 kgs, suspected fall from a tree, arched back, weakened legs, x-ray confirmed minor fracture of spine about 5 cms away from his anus, nerve damage has resulted in limp tail tone, howled in pain, hiding from owners, currently in vet, as inpatient for 2 days recovering (Contained) bowel and bladder full but not compacted. Indoors from 9 I've taken a t-shirt of mine that he sleeps on, his food and favourite treats to the vet to aid in his recovery. On advice from vet, i administered metacam prior to taking him to vet. He's been given pain relief to help with the pain in the hope he will use his body to excrete waste. Please tell me what you think his recovery hope is. Doctor said he's not a lost cause.
Sept. 9, 2018
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tabby
Bonnie
9 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tail Down
My cat Bonnie’s tail is down and not going up. It looks like her lower back is not as straight as normal. She can walk, eat, meow, drink and snuggle as usual but I’m worried her lower back might be broken? I don’t want to loose her she is my world and my best friend
Aug. 28, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Bonnie myself I cannot determine the severity of any injury, you should think about visiting your Veterinarian for an examination and x-ray to determine the extent of any injury. For the meantime keep a close eye and restrict movement. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 28, 2018
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Gray-Shorthaired
JoJo
9 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain When Touched
Not Active
Soft Lumps On Back
We began to notice when we'd pet JoJo our cat she'd hiss or cry when we got down to her lower back. So we let her alone a couple days... today when we tried to pet her again she had two lumps on her back in the same spots (mid-lower) that seemed painful before. She is staying in one place- still eating and drinking and leaving her spot to defecate... but not sure if a trip to the vet is necessary. We took her in as a stray kitty and she's been a great outdoor cat! But, we can't afford xrays- surgery etc... and I feel like that's what she would need. But wondering what the soft bumps could be. Please let me know. Thanks!
Aug. 19, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Jojo it is difficult to say what the cause of the pain and soft lumps may be; a thorough examination and some pain relief would be useful and the Veterinarian would be able to tell you more afterwards. Soft tissue injury is a possibility but I cannot say specifically what the cause or severity of injury is; try to keep Jojo rested and restrict movement to prevent any further injury. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 20, 2018
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Abyssinian
Shadow
4 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating Or Drinking
Can’T Walk
Can’T Stand
Twitching Of The Legs
Can’T Move With Out Being In Pain
I don’t know what’s wrong with him but I’m worried he won’t make it.. I can’t afford to take him to the vet but I can’t just watch him die.. he’s not eating or drinking or anything..
Aug. 13, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Shadow I cannot start to determine the cause for the symptoms; trauma, poisoning, internal disease among other causes may lead to similar symptoms. You should visit your Veterinarian for a charity clinic (regardless of cost) to determine a cause for the symptoms. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
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American shorthaired
Bella
6 Weeks
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness
Bleeding From The Mouth
Weak Neck
We have a 6-7 week old kitten.. our family has very little money so it’s a scary situation. My little siblings were playing with the mattress and the kitten jumped up , the kids dropped the mattress, the kitten started bleeding from the mouth. Her head was stuck so they pulled her out instantly when the saw as it happened. She’s very weak. She still has feeling in her limbs. I think she snapped something but we don’t know what to do. She’s kicking through it we’ve been feeding her and giving her watter.. her breathing was labored but now it’s normal.
Aug. 12, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Bella I cannot start to determine the severity of the injuries sustained or to start on any supportive or symptomatic care; I do understand that money can be tight but there are just some things which cannot and shouldn’t be managed at home. A charity clinic or other organisation may be able to help, you just need to search your local area. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 12, 2018
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Russian Blue mix
Stormy
7 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic With Burst Of Energy
I adopted a 6 month old kitten a month a go from a local shelter. Her vet examine turned out ok. But she still acts "off". She can't jump up on things, when she walks she falls down (back leg goes out), she finally now meows where as before she growled or purred. However she uses litter box regularly. eats a lot (but I have to show her where food is every day, it's like she forgets), gets along with my other 2 cats. Her tail is zigzagged and they told me it was a birth defect. I'm wondering now if she was teaumatized or had a broken back. She sometimes hides and she does sit with an extreme hunch in her back, but when we sleep together (she's a snuggler) she is fine on her back or side. Am I worried about nothing? She does have sensitivity in the tip of her tail and doesn't like it touched. I know x-rays would be best but in Palm Springs it would be upwards of $400+ so Im hoping here might be an alternative I haven't thought about. (Oh and one of her eyes goes a little wonky. Like the pupil is bigger and the color is off)
Fracture of the Spine Average Cost
From 585 quotes ranging from $2,000 - $6,000
Average Cost
$4,000
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
