Presumptive intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion in 12 cats: clinical presentation, MRI findings, treatment and outcome

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, MRI findings, treatment and outcome in cats presumptively diagnosed with intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusions. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of medical records and MRI data from cats presumptively diagnosed with intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusions. Long-term outcome (⩾6 months) was assessed through medical records, questionnaires completed by the owners or both. Results: A total of 12 cats met the inclusion criteria. All presented with peracute or acute clinical signs, with nine having confirmed (n = 3) or possible (n = 6) external trauma based on history, physical examination or MRI findings. Seven cats were ambulatory and five were non-ambulatory. Eight cats presented with urinary incontinence; none exhibited faecal incontinence. Neuroanatomical localisation included the T3–L3 (n = 7) and L4–S3 (n = 5) spinal cord segments. MRI showed an intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion at the following sites: T12–T13 (n = 1), T13–L1 (n = 1), L1–L2 (n = 2), L2–L3 (n = 2), L4–L5 (n = 3) and L5–L6 (n = 3). All cats underwent treatment and were discharged after a median hospitalisation time of 4 days (range 3–14). All non-ambulatory cats with available follow-up information (4/5) regained ambulation by the time of the short-term (<6 weeks) or long-term (⩾6 months) assessment. Moreover, all cats either retained or regained urinary continence by the time of discharge, the short-term (<6 weeks) or the long-term (⩾6 months) assessment. Overall, nine cats achieved a successful outcome and were considered functional pets at the short-term (<6 weeks) and/or long-term (⩾6 months) follow-up. Two cats were lost to follow-up, and one cat had perceived persistent generalised discomfort. Conclusions and relevance: Most cats presumptively diagnosed with an intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion showed a favourable outcome with treatment in this study. This condition should be considered in cats presenting with peracute or acute signs of T3–L3 or L4–S3 spinal cord dysfunction, especially if there is a history or indication of trauma.