Degenerative Myelopathy in Cats

Degenerative myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis of the muscles. The degeneration of the spinal column disrupts the signals that travel between the muscles and the brain, causing weakness and lack of control of the limbs and other parts of the body. As myelopathy progresses, the signal gets weaker and weaker, meaning that the symptoms worsen until the communication between the brain and the muscles stops altogether and the cat becomes paralyzed. It is comparable to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in humans and is a very rare disease in cats and usually affects older individuals. Veterinary attention is required for cats with the symptoms of degenerative myelopathy.

Given that this is a degenerative disease, the symptoms of myelopathy worsen over time. In early stages, limbs show signs of weakness such as trembling, inability to make large jumps, inability to walk large distances. In later stages, the limbs become paralyzed.

Which limbs are involved depends on where in the spinal column the degeneration occurs. If the spine is affected close to the tail, only the hindlimbs are involved. If it occurs closer to the head, both forelimbs and hindlimbs are involved. In some cases, other parts of the body are affected.

In cases where the diaphragm is affected by myelopathy, breathing is affected. If the diaphragm becomes completely paralyzed, the cat can no longer breathe, resulting in death.

In cases where the urinary and fecal tracts are affected, the cat has difficulty eliminating waste.

The exact cause of degenerative myelopathy is unknown, but may be related to immune-mediated disease. In dogs, it may be an inherited condition, but this has not been identified in cats.

Diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy is reached by ruling out all other possible underlying causes through diagnostic testing, including:

• Physical examination
• Bloodwork
• Urinalysis
• Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, CT scan or ultrasounds
• Testing for infectious diseases
• Sampling cerebrospinal fluid

There is no treatment for degenerative myelopathy. Physical therapy may help slow the progression of disease, however cannot prevent progression. Cats with degenerative myelopathy often require changes to their environment to extend their independence. Strategies include:

• Providing surfaces that offer traction (carpet, for example) in the earlier stages while the cats is still walking
• Providing ramps or steps to higher surfaces such as couches or windowsills if the cat has trouble jumping
• Helping with urination and defecation where necessary
• Turning cats to avoid sores once they are unable to move themselves

There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. The prognosis is grave, with many animals being euthanized due to their prognosis.

There are no proven preventative measures for degenerative myelopathy. Keeping the cat in good health with excellent nutrition and consistent veterinary check ups is recommended.

Degenerative myelopathy is very rare in cats.

There is no treatment.