Presumptive acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion in 11 cats: clinical features, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment and outcome

Abstract

17Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the clinical features, diagnostic imaging 18 findings, treatment and outcome in cats diagnosed with presumptive acute non-compressive 19 nucleus pulposus extrusion. Results: Eleven cats met the inclusion criteria. All cats had a peracute onset of clinical signs, 25with eight cats experiencing witnessed (n = 6) or suspected (n = 2) external trauma.

Acute Herniation of Nondegenerate Nucleus Pulposus

“…7,13 Previous terms used have included traumatic disc extrusion, high-velocity low-volume disc extrusion, traumatic disc prolapse and Hansen Type III intervertebral disc disease. 2,[20][21][22] ANNPEs have been diagnosed in dogs and less frequently in cats 23,24 , and typically present with a very characteristic peracute onset of clinical signs during exercise or following trauma. 7,13,24 Clinical signs are distributed according to the neuroanatomical location and extent of the lesion, and typically stabilize within hours before improving or remaining static depending on the SCI severity.…”

“…Although ANNPE has also been reported in cats, the current literature is limited to case reports and small case-series. 20,23,24 Affected cats also present with a peracute onset of non-progressive and variably painful clinical signs. 23,24 In contrast to dogs, cats most often present with symmetrical instead of lateralized clinical signs and up to three quarters of affected cats present after external trauma, such as a road-traffic accident or a fall from a height.…”

“…20,23,24 Affected cats also present with a peracute onset of non-progressive and variably painful clinical signs. 23,24 In contrast to dogs, cats most often present with symmetrical instead of lateralized clinical signs and up to three quarters of affected cats present after external trauma, such as a road-traffic accident or a fall from a height. 24 This highlights that also in cats ANNPE should be considered an important differential diagnosis for vertebral fracture and luxation.…”

“…The cervical spinal cord segments are not often affected in cats. 24 Although prognosis for neurological improvement is good, it seems unlikely for affected cats to experience a full neurological recovery. A recent case series indicated that all cats for which long-term outcome was available had regained an ambulatory status, but none of them had become neurologically normal.…”

Acute hydrated non‐compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion: what do we know so far?

“…This type of intervertebral disc extrusion can be characterised as compressive or non-compressive and is more commonly recognised and studied as the cause of acute myelopathy in dogs and less frequently in cats 1–6…”