Herniated Discs

My Dad is looking after my Mom's cats (she passed away last year). One of these cats has epilepsy. Last week it was extremely hot and the cat, Ludde, had a couple of bad seizures. Dad found the cat in the basement, unable to walk. Most likely he took a tumble down the stairs during a seizure.

He went to the vet who gave a shot of cortisone and said to wait 3-4 days and observe. The cat ate lying down, and peed and pooed lying down (and the tail moves, so no nerve damage there).

After about 4 days (with the weekend getting in the way), the cat was dragging himself up and going to the litter tray. By this time, I got back from vacation and could get involved. There was progress, but not enough. I called the vets and booked an x-ray appointment. When we put the cat on the floor, it looked as if he could move his right leg a little, and his left leg was dragging.

The verdict was two herniated discs in the spine. The vet says she will consult with a surgical specialist. I'm not keen on back surgery, never heard of a successful one, in man nor beast. I asked about chiropracty/osteopathy kind of thing, and she said she was open to it, but did not know of anyone who does it she can refer me to (well, I can try to find someone...). She feels there is some hope as he has showed some improvement.

He is at the vets on a drip as he was anemic and dehydrated, gaining strength. She's promised to email me the x-rays but hasn't done so yet.

Does anyone have any experience with herniated discs and how to treat it? I've looked online, most of the stuff that appears is about dogs, where generally surgery seems to be avoided and folks try either cortisone treatment and rest, or chiro/osteo and/or acupuncture and swimmin therapy....

All and any ideas welcome, we promised my Mom we'd take care of her cats....

Thanks!

Maria

 

hmm no advice here, just will be sending lots of positive thoughts for you guys, that you figure out the best thing to do to take care of this little guy ...

 

Hi Maria

I've seen plenty in dogs. Dogs who came in paralyzed and screaming in pain were able to walk out days later (ok, some shuffled, or limped, but they were up and about).

Why is he anemic? That's worrisome.

Acute disc rupture with loss of deep pain is a surgical emergency and there is no reasonable alternative. Traumatic back injuries can also benefit from prompt surgery to alleviate the swelling that can cause further compression and damage. Surgery is encouraged in animals who have lost all use of their hind limbs as well as sensation; for more mild cases (loss of coordination, dulled reflexes, pain) medical therapies (allopathic and alternative) are standard.

I think you need to have the kitty evaluated by a neurologist or an orthopedist. Because of the length of time between the injury (if it was an acute injury from the stairs) and treatment -- steroid treatment makes a difference in acute crises as well -- the prognosis might not be as good, unfortunately. I'd get some expert eyes on the case and see what the reasonable options are. Things like the amount of sensation left, whether or not circulation is good, what concurrent health issues exist, etc. will all factor into the big-picture prognosis.

HOpe this helps. Keep us posted.



All and any ideas welcome, we promised my Mom we'd take care of her cats....

Thanks!

Maria[/quote]