Clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging features, and outcome in 6 cats with lumbar degenerative intervertebral disc extrusion treated with hemilaminectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging features, and outcome of cats treated with hemilaminectomy for intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE).

STUDY

DESIGN

Short case series.

ANIMALS: Six cats.

METHODS

Medical records were reviewed for signalment, onset, duration, and severity of clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging features, surgical findings, and clinical outcome with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Our population included 6 cats with a median age of 8.6 years, consisting predominantly of males (n = 5) and purebred cats (n = 4). An acute onset and short duration of progressive clinical signs of myelopathy was the most common presentation; spinal hyperesthesia was present in 3 cats. A large volume of extradural material was identified by MRI within the lumbar vertebral column of each cat, causing marked spinal cord compression. The most common sites affected were L2-L3 (n = 2) and L6-L7 (n = 2). Follow-up after hemilaminectomy was available in 5 cats: 4 had normal voluntary motor function, and 1 had recurrence of acute paraplegia, compromised nociception, and an extensive T2w hyperintense intramedullary lesion according to MRI. All 4 cats with preoperative urinary incontinence remained incontinent for at least 1 week despite good voluntary motor function of pelvic limbs.

CONCLUSION

Intervertebral disc extrusion was diagnosed by MRI in all 6 cats, most commonly at L2-3 and L6-7. Hemilaminectomy resulted in a good to excellent outcome in 4 of 5 cats.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Feline IVDE can be diagnosed by MRI and carry a good prognosis after surgical decompression, although urinary continence may be delayed despite good pelvic limb voluntary motor function.