Spinal cord inflammation describes swelling in the spinal cord, vertebral discs, or tissues surrounding the vertebrae. The inflammation puts pressure on the spinal column and can result in paralysis and even death. Pets that demonstrate signs of spinal cord inflammation should be seen by a veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of the inflammation. In many cases, damage to the spinal cord can be permanent. Proper, early medical treatment gives your cat the best chance of survival and reversing paralysis.

Spinal cord inflammation causes issues with motor skills and muscle control, and can lead to paralysis. The symptoms may be more severe in either the front limbs or hind limbs depending on the location of the inflammation. Some causes of inflammation, such as bacterial infections, may also affect other parts of the body. 

Symptoms Include:

Inflammation in the spinal cord can be brought on by numerous conditions. Your veterinarian will need to diagnose the cause in order to properly treat the cat. Causes include:

Observation of the clinical signs of spinal cord inflammation is usually all that is required to diagnose this condition. Determining what is causing the inflammation, however, may require several methods of diagnosis. Be prepared to discuss your pet’s medical history and any recent events that could have resulted in their condition. Your veterinarian may use X-rays or other imaging to get a clear view of the cat’s spine and surrounding areas. This imaging can help identify the location of the inflammation and may aid in determining or ruling out some of the potential causes. Blood and urine analysis may also be used to scan for bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, and parasites. It may be necessary to collect cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This is a fairly routine procedure, but your pet may be put under anesthesia to complete it. Identifying the cause is essential to providing proper treatment and to prevent further damage to the spine and central nervous system. 

The treatment of your pet’s spinal cord inflammation will vary depending on the cause of the inflammation. Properly treating the cause will require hospitalization in many cases. In some circumstances, no treatment may be available and the veterinary staff will only be able to treat symptoms. Some of the potential methods of treatment include:

The likelihood of a full recovery is slim in most cases. Often, even with treatment, lingering issues will be present. If your pet recovers enough to be released from the hospital, be sure to follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions. Finish the full course of medications and bring your pet back for any required follow-up visits. Your cat may be weak and need additional support during recovery. Ensure that their food, water, and litter box are nearby so they don’t have to try to walk too far. Monitor your pet closely and return to the veterinarian if symptoms return or worsen.