Slipped Disc, Bad Back, and Muscle Spasms in Cats

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Cats

Although intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is seen less frequently in cats than dogs, it is still a serious condition. IVDD occurs when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column either bulge or burst (herniate) into the spinal cord space. These discs then press on the nerves running through the spinal cord causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis.

Symptoms and Types

Made up of a gelatinous substance surrounded by a thick outer layer, intervertebral discs are basically the shock absorbers of the spine. There are two types of disc herniation seen in cats: Type I and Type II, of which Type II generally has less severe signs and symptoms.

Symptoms of IVDD may include:

• Unwillingness to jump
• Pain and weakness in rear legs (lameness)
• Anxious behavior
• Crying out in pain
• Muscle spasms over back or neck
• Hunched back or neck with tense muscles
• Reduced appetite and activity level
• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control (urinary and fecal incontinence, respectively)

Causes

In Type I, more commonly found in the neck region, discs develop a hardening (or calcification) of the outer layer. This damages the disc, allowing it to break down easier. Any forceful impact such as jumping and landing can cause one or more disc(s) to burst, and the inner material to press on the spinal cord. With Type II herniation, the discs become hardened and fibrous over a long period of time and eventually break down, bulge out, and compress the spinal cord.

When the nerves of the spinal cord are compressed, the nerve impulses are not able to transmit their signals to the final destination in the limbs, bladder, etc. If the damage is severe enough, paralysis and loss of bladder and bowel control can occur. Depending on the location of the disc that is bulging, signs occur anywhere in the body from the neck to the rear legs. In cats, the discs more commonly bulge in the neck and upper back.

Diagnosis

Examination by your veterinarian will include a complete neurologic exam, which will help identify where in the spinal cord the injury is located. Plain X-rays may show an abnormal area in the spine. However, because the spinal cord does not appear on X-rays, special imaging may be necessary to locate the source of the injury.

Once such procedure, called a myelogram, injects a special dye into the spine, which surrounds the spinal cord and allows it to appear on X-rays. This test requires the animal to be put under anesthesia. In some cases, further testing such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan can also be used to locate where the nerves are being pinched, which is necessary for surgical repair.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the damage to the spinal cord, treatment can range from conservative to surgical. Conservative care usually includes treatment with drugs such as steroids and anti-inflammatories to reduce the swelling of the cord and reduce pain. The cat must also be kept confined in a crate or cage to prevent further damage from occurring for up to six weeks. After a period of resting, he may gradually return to normal activity.

If the damage is too severe and the cat is paralyzed or incontinent, conservative treatment may not be enough. In these cases, emergency surgery is needed to open up the space. This is done by removing a portion of the bony vertebrae over the spinal cord (laminectomy). Even after surgery, however, the cat may not recover fully.

Most of the animals with IVDD have spasms of the back muscles. Treatment for this symptom usually includes heat and massage techniques along with medications. Commonly used medications include diazepam and methocarbamol. Diazepam is a muscle relaxant which is also used to calm an animal and treat convulsions. Methocarbamol is another muscle relaxant effective in treating muscle spasms caused by IVDD. It acts directly on the nervous system instead of on the muscles themselves.

Living and Management

Many of the cats that have a mild to moderate case of IVDD will get feeling back in their legs and walk again. In addition, those that undergo surgery have a better chance of recovery if they are operated soon after initial diagnosis. Rehabilitation of animals post-surgery is important to help cats regain function and speed recovery.

The quality of life for these cats can be good if given proper nursing care. However, some have subsequent bouts with IVDD later in life and will require life-long care and management.

Prevention

Keeping the cat at a lower weight will help reduce the stress on their backbone and neck. Feeding the cat a good-quality diet should keep her in optimum health, too.

Because of the congenital nature of this disease, your veterinarian will most likely recommend against breeding cats with IVDD.