Cats and spinal injuries: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Watching a cat stretch and twist its body with apparent ease might make it seem as if their spine is extraordinarily flexible. This agility and their surefootedness often protect them from spinal injuries, which are thankfully less common in cats than in people or even dogs. Despite this, spinal injuries do occur and can cause severe pain and limit a cat’s movement.

This article explores the main types of spinal problems in cats, the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, empowering cat owners to respond swiftly and responsibly to these serious conditions.

1. Damage to the Spine

The spine, extending through the cat's back and tail, is vulnerable to injury from incidents like falls from heights, collisions with vehicles or bicycles, and blunt trauma from objects. Because the tail vertebrae form part of the spine, injuries such as breaks or crush damage to the tail are included under spinal injuries.

Such injuries may produce pain along the back or tail, observed when petting your cat, and can cause abnormal or painful walking gaits. More severe damage may restrict blood flow below the injury, leading to hind limb paralysis and loss of bladder or bowel control.

2. Spine Fractures

Fractures may affect the vertebrae or the spinal cord itself. Trauma from accidents, falls, or crush injuries can result in these fractures. Symptoms include severe pain, partial or complete loss of limb movement, and potentially paralysis, depending on whether the spinal nerves have been affected.

Damage to the spinal cord or nerves is often intensely painful, requiring professional veterinary attention to manage the condition and reduce suffering.

3. Intervertebral Disc Problems

The spinal discs, which cushion the vertebrae, can suffer injury or degeneration. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is one such condition that progressively affects the discs, leading from mild symptoms like limping or lethargy to pronounced pain and difficulty walking.

Tumours or abnormal growths may also disrupt normal disc positions and blood supply, causing progressive spinal issues that may be difficult to notice early on.

4. Diagnosis and Veterinary Assessment

If you suspect your cat has a spinal injury due to trauma or unusual symptoms such as pain or restricted movement, prompt veterinary evaluation is vital. Vets perform a thorough physical and neurological examination and may use X-rays or advanced imaging techniques to pinpoint the injury and its severity.

Early diagnosis is crucial for optimising treatment outcomes and managing pain effectively.

5. Treatment and Recovery

Treatment depends on injury type and severity. Fractures often require surgery to stabilise the spine for proper healing. Medication can manage pain and inflammation. Importantly, restricting your cat's movement during recovery helps promote healing.

For non-surgical cases, careful monitoring and supportive care, including physiotherapy and bladder management, are essential. Tumours and other medical causes are managed on a case-by-case basis, aiming to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

The prognosis for spinal injuries varies, but immediate veterinary attention and responsible ongoing care offer the best chance for recovery and maintaining mobility.

Responsible cat ownership includes cautious supervision to reduce injury risks and ensuring veterinary visits at the slightest sign of spinal trouble. Always seek care from qualified and compassionate veterinary professionals to support your cat through any spinal health challenges.

For further information on caring for cats and spotting health problems early, explore reputable veterinary resources and pet care guides.

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