What is Slipped Disc?
A slipped disc in cats is termed intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This rather rare feline disease is a condition of neurological dysfunction the spinal cord. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between the bones of the spine and allows the feline a great deal of movement. Over time, these discs experience degeneration of the nucleus pulposus (water within the disc) and lose shock absorption abilities, resulting in a compression of the spine. IVDD can affect the feline in any spinal column location, but the lower back, middle of the back, and neck are the most common locations of this condition.
If your cat has lost her ability to walk, is reluctant to jump up, and cries out when she is handled, then your cat could be suffering from a slipped disc. A disc is the gel-filled cushion between the cat’s vertebrae of the spinal column. The discs between the vertebrae, known as intervertebral discs, prevents the vertebra from pushing together, protecting the nerves. However, when these discs herniate or bulge, the vertebrae come together and compress on the various nerves running through the spinal cord space. The end result of one of these discs “slipping” is a great deal of pain, damage to the nerve, and even paralysis.
Slipped Disc Average Cost
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Symptoms of Slipped Disc in Cats
The symptoms associated with slipped disc in cats depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of IVDD may cause a feline to exhibit uncoordinated behavior and localized pain, but severe IVDD can cause a feline to lose mobility altogether.
- Paralysis
- Inability to walk properly
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Reluctance to engage in physical activity
- Reluctance to jump up
- Vocalizing upon handling
- Pain in the back
Causes of Slipped Disc in Cats
Slipped disc in cats is caused by a degeneration of the fluid filled, nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs. A slipped disc can also be due to intervertebral herniation or bulging of the disc. The discs of the spinal column cushion the bones of the spine, working as shock absorbers when the feline moves. As the feline gets older, these fluid-filled cushions can breakdown resulting in nerve compressions. In other instances, the outer layer of the disc hardens due to unknown reasons and a traumatic incident causes the disc to slip out of place.
Diagnosis of Slipped Disc in Cats
The diagnosis of a slipped disc in cats will begin with a complete medical history, physical examination, and an exchange of noted clinical signs from the cat owner. The diagnosis of intervertebral disc disease is based on the physical examination. In addition to these routine diagnostic tests, your veterinarian will likely proceed to conduct the following tests:
X-rays
X-rays, or radiographs, are used to detect the location of spinal compression.
Myelogram
A myelogram is the processes of inserting a needle into the dural sac (a bag that surrounds the spinal cord) and administering a colored dye. The dye will highlight any abnormalities within the spinal column, visible to the doctor on an x-ray.
A CT Scan
A CT scan is used to clearly identify the located disc to be used in the treatment procedure.
Treatment of Slipped Disc in Cats
Your veterinarian will base your feline’s treatment plan based on the severity of the condition. A mild case of slipped disc in cats can be treated with medication, but if the feline cannot move properly or is paralyzed, surgery is likely required. Medical treatment options for a feline with a slipped disc may include a form of steroidal drug to reduce inflammation and muscle relaxants to depress intramuscular spasms. When medical treatment proves ineffective, or if the case has become severe, surgery may be necessary.
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Recovery of Slipped Disc in Cats
Recovery time for a cat with a slipped disc depends on the severity of the condition and type of treatment the feline received. Medical treatments usually last approximately four to six weeks with the addition of activity restriction, but can be accomplished as an outpatient. If the feline has undergone surgery, he or she will spend a couple days in the hospital to recuperate after the surgery. When the cat is allowed to return home, orders for activity restriction and pain medications are often sent home with the patient. Most cat owners are given an estimate of six to eight weeks recovery time for a surgically corrected slipped disc in their cat.
Follow-up care with the veterinarian is extremely important as both medical and surgical treatments of a slipped disc can have aftermath complications. The best way for your cat to have a positive prognosis is by paying close attention to what your veterinarian is telling you and following at home care directions.
Slipped Disc Average Cost
From 587 quotes ranging from $200 - $6,000
Average Cost
$4,000
Top
Slipped Disc Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
American Short-Hair
Hercules
13 Years
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain When Lifted
Trouble Walking
My cat has in the past 12 hours or so gone from limping on back right leg to unable to move it at all. It has clenched at the top of the joint. We had him on meds in the past for joint issues but he has been off it for several months. I’m not sure if it is this or not, but what should I do before I can get to a vet? Or what could it be?
June 20, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
11 Recommendations
Hercules may have significant arthritis, or he may have a back injury that needs to be treated. Without being able to examine him, I can't comment on which might be happening to him, as he'll need to be seen to see what the cause is. Since it happened so suddenly, it would be a good idea to have him seen sooner rather than later.
June 20, 2018
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short hair
Tigger
12 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sometimes Wobbly
My cat after she has jumped down will sometimes wag her tail and sway her hips and after putting her into her cage she turned the corner sharply and one of her back legs seemed to slip out from under neath her should I be worried
June 8, 2018
1 Recommendations
It is difficult to say, it may have been just a misplacing of the paw which led to the leg slipping underneath her; you should keep an eye on her for the time being but if you notice any changes in gait, limping or anything else you should visit your Veterinarian to be on the safe side as I cannot tell without examining her. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 9, 2018
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Domestic long hair
Dayz
2 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cant Walk
2 year old cat acute onset of mobility issues. can feel and react all limbs and tail when pinched but cannot hold up her body or walk. is eating and drinking well on own when propped up. head tilt to the left. all xrays and blood test done show nothing abnormal or significant. ears are clean, no swelling or irritation. no lesions seen on inner ear or brain. pupils dilate correctly and no eye shaking. no fever. up to date on all shots and no behavioral changes. still alert and reactive, has been 5 days since initial exam. steroid shot and antibiotic shot given. oral steroids(prednisone) and antibiotics (clindamysin) given for 4 full days with no improvement. increasing pred to immuno suppressant level.............. any ideas???
May 31, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Unfortunately, I don't have any other suggestions that you and your veterinarian haven't already pursued, other than a spinal tap and possible treatment for Neospora or Toxoplasma. I'm sure that your veterinarian has already ruled that out or is treating for it, but it is worth asking. I hope that Dayz recovers.
May 31, 2018
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Tabby siamese
Tigger
17 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Paralysis
Uncontrollable Bladder
My cat slipped a disk in her lower back last night so we took her to the vet and he gave her too shots. Her back legs dangle and her tail is useless. Her bladder and bowels also go when they please which is not like her at all. In 48 hours if she hasn't shown improvment she may have to get out down due to her age. I do not want that to happen at all. She has slightly moved her legs but that's it. She is not in any pain as far as we know. Im just really worried about her.
April 5, 2018
2 Recommendations
A slipped disc in a cat Tigger’s age leaves you only with medical management options; if this is unsuccessful you would be looking at palliative and nursing care for the remainder of her life. You should see how Tigger responds over the next few days and return to your Veterinarian to discuss progress, if any. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 5, 2018
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mixed
Mysti
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Use Of Back Legs
My cat slipped a disc in her back today and I don't know what to do after going to the vets, she wants to climb and I don't know how to help her go toilet. . Any advice as sh can't use her back legs for 4 to 6 weeks
March 29, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without knowing more about Mysti, or her specific situation or signs, I have a very hard time commenting on how to help her. Since I do not know what is happening with her, it would be best to cal your veterinarian, who saw her and knows what is happening with her, and ask what you can do to help her.
March 29, 2018
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Bengal cross breed
Rio
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Walks With A Limp To Back Right Leg
Rio came in after 20 minutes limping, after a visit to a vet and further examination by the vet specialist, he has a slipped disc. He has been prescribed gabapentin, I am wondering how this medication helps?
Slipped Disc Average Cost
From 587 quotes ranging from $200 - $6,000
Average Cost
$4,000
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