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Spinal Cord Disorders in Cats
What are Spinal Cord Disorders?
The most common disease that brings about spinal cord problems in cats is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). It is a surface related disease that affects segments of the spinal cord. FIP is often seen in young cats under the age of two. Lymphosarcoma is another common disorder of the spinal cord. It is a rapidly growing cancer that reduces spinal cord circulation. Intervertebral disc disease is the third most commonly occurring spinal cord disorder in cats. It is degenerative and it mainly affects the lumbar (lower portion) of the spine. Veterinary attention is necessary for any spinal cord disorder, as early detection can help save the life of an affected cat.
The spinal cord is a fragile group of nerves that extend from the brain and control nerve responses throughout the body. This cord is protected by vertebrae and discs that make up the spine. Any disease or issue that damages or affects the spinal cord can have a significant impact on bodily function. Spinal cord disorders can cause a number of disabilities in a cat. Severe trauma, such as being hit by a car, can damage the spinal cord. This may come with a host of other life-threatening injuries and blood loss, which may need to be treated first.
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Symptoms of Spinal Cord Disorders in Cats
Progressed cases of spinal cord disorders produce very severe symptoms. If symptoms are mild, overall chance of recovery is better. Because spinal cord disorders stem from many different types of issues and injuries, symptoms from the underlying cause may also manifest. Symptoms of spinal cord damage include:
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Ataxia (uncontrolled body movements)
- Partial or full paralysis
- Lesions
- Granuloma tissue formations
- Head tremors
- Muscle spasms
- Behavioral changes
- Locking jaw
- Difficulty swallowing
- Eye problems
- Lesions
- Severe pain
Causes of Spinal Cord Disorders in Cats
Many different medical conditions can cause damage to the spinal cord. Issues can be present from birth or may come from an external source. Possible contributors to spinal cord disorders are listed below.
- Viral infection
- Bacterial infection
- Fungal infection
- Parasitic infestation
- Inflammation
- Cancer or cancerous tumors
- Injury from trauma
- Birth defect
- Hereditary disorders
- Degenerative diseases
- Nutritional issues
- Vascular disease
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
- Tetanus
Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Disorders in Cats
Upon arriving at a veterinary clinic or animal hospital, you will need to provide your cat’s full medical history to the veterinarian. A physical examination will be completed to assess spinal problems and identify any other serious injuries needing attention. You will be asked about any possibility of your cat being exposed to chemicals. If trauma has taken place, you will need to relay all details about the event. The goal is to identify the underlying issue that is causing the spinal cord problems and to treat it if possible.
Blood work including a complete blood count and a biochemical profile can help to determine if cancer is present in the cat. Cerebrospinal fluid testing can help diagnose many spinal cord diseases. Urinalysis may be helpful for identifying infections. X-rays and ultrasounds will be required if tumors, fractures, or lesions are suspected in the cat. If any level of paralysis is seen, tests will be performed to monitor deep pain responses. These responses include head turning, attempted biting, or crying when certain parts of the body are prodded.
Treatment of Spinal Cord Disorders in Cats
Appropriate treatment will vary greatly depending on the underlying cause of spinal cord problems. Mild cases have the potential to be cured, while severe disorders may only be treated with supportive nursing care to the cat.
Antibiotics
If bacterial infections are present in the cat, or of surgery has been performed, antibiotics will be prescribed to remove all harmful bacteria in the body. Prescriptions generally last from one to four weeks.
Antifungal Medication
If fungal infection has been identified in the cat, antifungal medication can help to rid the body of the attacking fungi.
Antitoxins If tetanus is found to be the underlying cause of spinal cord issues, antitoxins can be administered in the early stages to effectively treat the disease.
Chemotherapy
A combination of immunosuppressive medications may be administered for an extended period of time to kill cancer cells in the body. This is often paired with the surgical removal of larger cancerous masses.
Diet Change
If excessive amounts of vitamin A from consuming too much liver have caused a spinal cord disorder, your vet may create a specialized diet to help with the issue. These diets can prevent further spinal cord damage but cannot reverse damage that has already occurred.
Medication
A cat suffering from fractured vertebrae can derive benefit from certain drug therapy if it is administered quickly.
Surgical Realignment
Surgery may be necessary to properly realign the spine if it has been fractured. General anesthesia is required for this high risk surgery.
Surgical Removal
If cancer is present, surgery may be needed to remove tumors causing spinal cord damage. If the tumors are located inside of the cord, it is considered inoperable, however, if the tumors are located on the outside, prognosis improves. If the tumor is in an optimal location, full excision is possible.
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Recovery of Spinal Cord Disorders in Cats
If the cat has undergone spinal surgery, it will need to be confined to a crate or cage for four to six weeks. Remove all possible inducers of stress to the cat. Monitor the incision site closely for signs of infection. If the spinal cord disorder produces incontinence in the cat, it is generally not reversible. Moving the litter box beside your cat’s bed may help with the issue.
If all feeling below the affected portion of the spinal cord has been lost, significant damage has happened to the nerves and the outlook is not positive. If respiratory paralysis occurs, the cat will die. In most severe cases of spinal cord disorder, overall prognosis is poor. If the cat is diagnosed with feline infectious peritonitis, euthanasia may be required, as there is no cure. Very mild spinal cord issues have the potential to be cured or, at the very least, prove to be manageable throughout the cat’s life.
Spinal Cord Disorders Average Cost
From 368 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
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Spinal Cord Disorders Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
tabby
Cassie
19 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Back Leg Weakness
My 19 year old cat is having weakness in her back legs, she’s also had some weight and hearing loss, she does cry in pain but it does seem to be getting worse, I hate to put her thru the stress of going to the vet
July 6, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Cassie may need to go through the stress of seeing a veterinarian to have an exam, as I can't see her or recommend anything, and she may need pain medication if she is actually crying out. Most OTC medications are toxic to cats, and she may need a prescription to keep her comfortable . I'm sure it will be worth the trip to see a veterinarian.
July 6, 2018
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european
Patrice
7 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
Hello, i have a 7years old caf that from 1 day to another starting showing disconfort when walking on one of the back legs. Within 1-2 weeks he was less and less active, staying only in 1 spot sleeping. We went to the doctor and they identified he has issues with his kidney (stones and sand)... they did the necessary to eliminate the cumulated urine. He also had a radiology that showed he has column beaks. We did an RMN that didnt showed any issues. He helds his paws in a wierd position he is unable to walk and is very painfull for him to stand when he needs to pee or poo.. he is in a lot of pain when we put him to stand up. When he is prescribed anti-inflamators he is able to move and walk without he cant. He took for 3 weeks cortisol. We do not know what else to do and what is his affliction. The Vet says it might be related to spinal nerves. Can you give us an advice or hint please on what else to try?!
Thank you!!!
May 22, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
I'm not able to comment on what might be going on with Patrice from your description and without more information, but if he responded to anti-inflammatory therapy and does better while on medications, that may be one option for him, long term. That is something that you can talk with your veterinarian about, to find out how to make him more comfortable long term.
May 22, 2018
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Spinal Cord Disorders Average Cost
From 368 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$2,000
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