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.
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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
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Slipped Disc Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
mixed shorthair
Molly
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Disoriented
Cannot Lift Head.
Struggling To Walk.
Not Eating.
Struggling To Eat.
My cat has a suspected slipped disk at her neck. She can barely walk and can't move her head. She was given a steroid and a painkiller but the vet said not to worry. It has been 24 hours and no improvement. Should one worried?
March 3, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. If Molly has not improved 24 hours after she was given anti-inflammatory therapy, I might be concerned, yes. Without knowing more about her health history and physical condition, I can't comment on what might have happened, but a recheck for her would be a good idea to have her status reassessed and see if any further therapy is needed. I hope that she is okay.
March 3, 2018
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Maine Coon
Gizmo
14 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
My cat (Gizmo) is 14 and yesterday was taken taken to the vet. He was given x rays and diagnosis was prolapsed discs (lower back towards hips) X ray also showed he had constipation so while he was under still from the x rays...they gave him an enema to loosen the stool.
He was given Onsior (robenacoxib) for the pain. Tablet one times a day for 7 days and then when needed. He was also given a liquid based stool softener in hopes he can go to the toilet easier and not get constipated again.
He doesn't seem very happy and whines a bit if we pick him up the wrong way. I want him to have the best chance at a pain-free life no matter how long he has left with us. I'm so worried.
Is this treatment something you would recommend?
March 3, 2018
0 Recommendations
Robenacoxib is used to treat pain arising from the musculoskeletal system and is used as an alternative to meloxicam; it is still early in the course of treatment and this isn’t something which could resolve overnight if at all. Stool softener would be useful to allow for easier defecation and to reduce straining and other pain whilst trying to defecate; see how Gizmo goes for the next couple of days and visit your Veterinarian again if there is no improvement. There are many different treatment options available and it is down to your Veterinarian to use their judgement to choose the best for Gizmo. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 3, 2018
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house cat
Rhino
3 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Walking Tenderly
Hard Time Jumping
Hi my cat had something fall on him and it compressed his disc in his lower back. We chose the medical option because surgery was so expensive. He walks and moves around but he walks differently. He can jump up to his normal spots but has a hard time jumping. He is eating, sleeping, drinking and playing a little less than he normally does. He seems to be doing better but I am just scared he is in a great deal of pain or is suffering. Is the only way for him to get better is surgery?
Oct. 2, 2017
0 Recommendations
Each case is individual, whilst surgery can help speed up the process and is usually a long term solution, medical management may have the overall effect but recurrence is a common problem and recovery is longer. With surgery or medical management, pain would still be a factor; although whilst you are trying medical management you should try to discourage activities like jumping by blocking places her would normally jump to or offering a ramp or series of steps for gentle ascension. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 3, 2017
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Slipped Disc Average Cost
From 587 quotes ranging from $200 - $6,000
Average Cost
$4,000
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