Our little felines have a spinal column that allows them a multitude of movements. In addition, it supports their skeleton and gives them enormous flexibility. That is why when the spine is affected by infectious, tumoral or inflammatory processes, among others, the consequences can be serious.
So, if you notice that your cat overreacts when you pet her back, is reluctant to move or jump, or doesn't want you to touch her back, it may be an indication that something is wrong with her. the spine.
Keep reading this article on our site to learn about the main spine problems and injuries in cats.
What is the backbone of cats like?
The vertebral column is a part of the skeleton of cats that is made up of vertebrae and extends from the neck to the tail. It is the key structure that supports the body of cats. In other words, it is the basis of the stability of the feline organism
Cats have 7 cervical vertebrae, 13 thoracic vertebrae, 7 lumbar vertebrae, 3 sacral vertebrae and about 22 caudal vertebrae.
Together they form a hyperflexible vertebral column, more than that of any other animal, with very soft and also flexible intervertebral discs. In addition, their scapulae are not attached to the thoracic members, but are free, which gives them more agility and the ability to jump and make more complicated movements.
Thanks to this spine and the rest of their skeleton, cats are animals that are flexible, light, muscular and strong, but somehow fragile. This is the reason why the spine can suffer from various disorders.
Below we discuss the main problems and injuries of the spine in cats.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic and degenerative disease that particularly affects older cats, either due to genetics or previous traumas that predispose to its development. Overweight and obesity also favor the joint wear of the disease.
Specifically, it is a degeneration of the cartilage, joint capsule and bone around the affected joint. One of the most frequent locations of osteoarthritis in cats is the area of the lumbar spine, being one of the causes of low back pain and cats moving less and stop climbing to heights, since the disease causes pain and discomfort.
Despite being a very common disorder, it is one of the most underdiagnosed spinal diseases in older cats.
Spinal infection
Vertebral infection, specifically of the intervertebral discs, is called discospondylitis These discs act as cartilaginous shock absorbers, preventing the vertebrae from rub against each other. It is a rare spinal problem in cats, but this does not mean that it should be ignored.
When pathogens, primarily bacteria, reach these discs, they cause infection and inflammation. The consequence is clinical signs such as:
- Spinal pain.
- Proliferation of fibrous tissue.
- Vertebral subluxations or fractures.
- Compression of the spinal cord, causing paresis, gait disturbance or ataxia, and even paralysis.
The primary foci of infection from which, via the hematogenous route, the microorganisms reach the area of the spinal column are the oral cavity, skin, respiratory system, genitourinary tract and heart valves.
Vertebral Fractures
Fractures of the vertebrae can occur for various reasons. Specifically, in cats they are usually due to falls from a great height, for example as a result of the well-known parachuting cat syndrome, or due to injuries due to being run over or fought.
Fractures can cause spinal problems and secondary infections, as well as damage to the surrounding soft tissues, which will seriously affect your he alth of our little feline. In the worst cases you will have to go through the operating room. The animal may manifest neurological signs, such as reduced or absent spinal reflexes and proprioception deficits, as well as severe pain.
Tumors
The vertebrae can also be affected by tumor processes. In cats the most frequent are:
- Lymphosarcoma: it is a tumor of lymphocytes and mesenchymal cells that affect the vertebral bodies, especially in cats under five years of age with feline leukemia. Instead of showing bone breakage, this tumor usually forms an epidural mass that may be infiltrative.
- Osteosarcoma: it is the most frequent vertebral tumor in cats. It is a primary tumor that is usually diagnosed in older cats. It is normally very aggressive, causing periosteal reaction and metastasis to other organs, such as the lungs.
In addition, tumors can be associated with neurological signs if the spinal cord is affected.
Disc herniation
Disc herniation occurs when the intervertebral disc moves out of its location and compresses the bone marrow. Most herniated discs in cats are asymptomatic When animals show symptoms, they are due to disc protrusions of the discs located between the vertebrae L5-L6, L6 -L7 and L7-sacrum. If neurological signs are detected due to spinal cord involvement, we will be facing one of the spinal injuries in cats whose treatment involves a surgical intervention
Vertebral angiomatosis
Vertebral angiomatosis is a rare malformation in which many angiomas are formed, which are noncancerous masses that create blood vessels. But, even if it is a benign process, it can cause neurological signs if it affects the spinal cord segments in the area.
By performing an X-ray it is possible to visualize bone proliferation phenomena. Treatment, if necessary, consists of surgical decompression.
Hyperesthesia syndrome
Feline hyperesthesia consists of an abnormal increased sensitivity of the skin. It is not a common disease and, when it is seen, it is usually in cases of very stressed cats It is also not a serious disease, much less lethal, but it has no treatment.
Its origin may lie in alterations in the brain's electrical activity that control grooming behaviour, activity and instincts. Affected cats have muscle lesions in the spine that can contribute to discomfort. Clinical signs include:
- Excessive sensitivity to caresses, manifested by muscle spasms in the back.
- Self-harm.
- Races and jumps.
- Dilated pupils.
- Tail chase.
- After an episode of hyperesthesia some cats convulse.
