Video-assisted removal of metal pellet fragments from the vertebral canal following gunshot injury and long-term outcome in a cat

Penetrating airgun spinal cord injury in 23 cats (1998-2022)

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate and describe airgun spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in cats.

METHODS

Records of cats presented at the Companion Animal Clinic of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with neurological deficits associated with a 4.5 mm airgun projectile (AGP) SCI were included. Only cats with lodged projectiles in the spinal canal were included in the present study. Cats were categorised into groups according to the neurological grade, management, season of presentation and projectile location.

RESULTS

A total of 23 cats were included in this retrospective study. There were one cervical (C), 17 thoracolumbar (T) and five lumbosacral (L) airgun SCIs. The presence of the projectile in the spinal canal was confirmed by radiographic imaging. Of the cases, 44% were presented in autumn, which was the most frequently presenting season. Surgical management was elected in 20/23 (87%) of the cats, 1/23 (4.3%) were managed conservatively and 2/23 (8.7%) were euthanased owing to poor prognosis without treatment. The neurological grades were V and III in 83% and 4% of the cats, respectively. The remaining cats (13%) had asymmetrical neurological deficits. Conscious movement was regained in 30% of surgically treated cats; spinal walking in 20% and 50% were unimproved. Micturition restoration was not observed in most of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Airgun spinal injuries result in severe mobility and micturition disorders in cats. As a result of the small sample size, it is uncertain whether the outcome may be influenced by surgical or conservative management.

Retrospective analysis of diagnoses and outcomes of 45 cats with micturition disorders presenting as urinary incontinence

Background

In contrast to dogs, the causes and outcomes of urinary incontinence (UI) in cats are largely unknown.

Objectives

To determine the causes, identify comorbid conditions, and assess outcomes of cats with micturition disorders presenting as UI.

Animals

Forty‐five cats with UI.

Methods

Retrospective study. Medical records of cats presented from January 2006 to December 2017 were searched using 45 keywords related to UI. History, presenting complaint, and physical examination findings were used to confirm a diagnosis. Cases were categorized based on functional and anatomic localizations.

Results

Forty‐five cats met inclusion criteria. Spinal cord disease was the most common cause of UI (n = 18), followed by urethral (n = 17), bladder (n = 9), and ureteral (n = 1) disorders. Proportions of voiding and storage phase disorders were similar (53% and 47%, respectively). However, voiding‐phase disorders were observed more frequently in males and younger‐aged cats (P < .03). Urinary tract infection was detected in 11 of 28 (39%) cats. Outcomes were available in 38/45 cases; 16 cats (42%) regained continence, 3 (8%) improved with treatment, and 19 (50%) remained incontinent or were euthanized. Multiple variable logistic regressions indicated that spinal cord disease was significantly more likely to be associated with poor outcomes compared to bladder or urethral disorders (P < .04).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Urinary incontinence in cats was associated with a variety of congenital and acquired disorders that affected both phases of micturition with similar frequency. Incontinent cats with spinal cord disorders were common and warrant a more guarded prognosis than do cats with bladder or urethral disorders.