Spinal Trauma in Cats

Cat owners learn from the vet that spinal trauma can develop from one of several causes—the agility and condition of the cat may not be contributing factors. Damage to the spine, spinal cord, and blood vessels can lead to a number or complications. Medications, surgery and supportive treatment may give the cat some relief as it recovers.

Spinal trauma is an injury to the spinal cord in a cat. This could be the result of disease, a fracture of the spine, a tumor located on or near the spine, or a significant injury such as a gunshot wound. Along with damage to the spinal cord, the cat may experience pain, sudden or worsening paralysis, and possibly respiratory failure. Because of the potential loss of vital bodily functions, when a cat owner suspects the cat has a spinal cord injury, the cat should be seen by a vet immediately. Quick treatment may improve the chances of recovery.

If a cat suffers a spinal injury, the onset of symptoms is sudden and can worsen over time:

• Limp paralysis
• Rigid paralysis
• Pain
• Urinary and fecal incontinence (if the tail has been yanked on or injured)
• Lethargy
• Reluctance to play
• Limbs are limp
• Unable to stand or walk
• Lameness
• Staggering
• Limp tail

If the cat doesn’t seem to be experiencing pain in the limbs below the location of the spine injury, its prognosis may be poor.

Cats, especially if they are allowed to roam outside, can suffer spinal trauma from one of several causes:

• Gunshot wounds on or near spinal column
• Vehicle accidents
• Bite wounds on or near the spine
• High falls
• Cats may also experience spinal trauma as the result of a physical or health problem:
• Ruptured disk
• Defect or malformation of spinal column
• Neurological conditions
• Birth abnormalities (e.g. tailless Manx cats developing spina bifida before birth)

Vets begin examinations of cats with spinal trauma with a full physical so they can decide whether the trauma is related to an injury or an illness. After the physical exam, the vet orders X-rays that help narrow down the area of injury as well as its cause. The cat may also undergo a myelogram, which uses a contrast dye along with X-rays or a CT scan to zero in on the spinal injury. A specialist usually carries these tests out.

Once the vet has made a diagnosis, it’s time for treatment. If the cat’s spinal injury and symptoms are significant, the vet may recommend surgical intervention. Surgery usually removes the cause of pressure on the spine, which may reverse limb weakness or paralysis. If the cat’s spinal cord has been lacerated (cut), surgery may be an option to help the cat recover some function. Depending on the degree of damage, humane euthanasia may be the most kind option, and your veterinarian will be able to help guide you in that decision.  

Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to help reduce swelling and inflammation of the spinal cord, as well as surrounding tissues. Vets also prescribe antibiotics to treat or reduce bacterial infections, giving the cat a better chance at recovery.

After surgery, the cat will need significant post-operative care, which means it will be placed in a cage to reduce movement. The cat may also wear a neck brace to reduce stress and pressure on the neck, minimize unnecessary movement, and allow the cat’s spine to heal. The vet and pet owner will need to monitor the cat closely to make sure that the cat doesn’t develop skin injuries resulting from the snug bandages wrapped around its body.

Some vets and pet owners may choose to give the cat physical therapy, which allows the cat to “relearn” movements lost after the injury and regain some ability to move around. The cat may also benefit from complementary therapies, such as massage and acupuncture. Depending on the severity of the cat’s spinal cord injury, post-surgical treatment may go on for several weeks or months.

Depending on how soon a spinal cord injury was diagnosed and treated, the cat may recover fully or may continue to feel the aftereffects of its injuries for the rest of its life. For instance, a spinal cord injury resulting from an injured tail may seem to be insignificant. But, because the tail contains nerve roots, the cat may lose the ability to move its lower limbs, as well as developing urinary and/or fecal incontinence, which will be a lifelong condition.

Milder spinal trauma cases have a better prognosis than acute injuries. Pet owners who carefully follow all veterinary orders give their cats a better chance at recovery and a more normal life. Each cat and injury is individual. While vets have a regimen of treatments they prescribe for cats with spinal cord injuries, the cat’s chances at recovery rely on the severity of the trauma and how quickly the cat was given treatment. Cat owners should take their cats to each follow up appointment, which allows the vet to determine whether an existing treatment is appropriate or whether another treatment should be started. If the cat has lost sensation below the location of the injury, its recovery outlook may be poor.