IVDD Intervertebral Disc Disease (Slipped Disc) in Cats

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a very serious condition that might lead to paralysis or euthanasia and as such must be considered an emergency.

IVDD affects the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal cord, causing them to burst (herniate) or rupture into the spinal cord space. The location, severity, and length of time the discs have been affected can determine the prognosis and treatment required.

Severe cases require immediate aggressive treatment and referral to a neurologist.

IVDD is relatively rare in cats. It seems to have a breed-related origin as it affects purebred cats at twice the rate.

Symptoms and severity vary according to the location on the spinal cord where the damage occurs, and the severity/depth of compression on the spinal cord. This also determines which other parts of the body are affected. In cats commonly affected sites include the mid to lower back, leading to more obvious symptoms in the hind end. Clinical signs progress from pain, ataxia, to paresis and paralysis, and finally to the inability to feel pain in the affected limbs with progressive severity/depth of the compression on the spinal cord.

There are various potential causes of IVDD.

Genetics are thought to play a role in developing the disease as purebred cats are twice as likely to be affected than random-bred cats. Another factor that concurs in intervertebral disc disease is age-related. Sometimes the disease presents as a degenerative condition that worsens with age. In some cases, IVDD develops as a result of an injury.

Clinical signs and pain degrees vary.

The diagnostic process involves a complete physical examination, including a neurological exam, blood work, urinalysis, and diagnostic imaging (X-ray, myelogram, CT, and/or MRI).

Treatment varies according to the severity of the spinal damage. Mild cases might respond to a combination of cage rest and pain medications. In severe cases, referral to a surgeon is often necessary. Many surgical options exist and they vary according to the location of the damage.

The prognosis and duration vary depending on the location and the severity of the spinal cord damage. After treatment, repeated neurological examinations are necessary to monitor the response. Immediate attention is required if clinical signs deteriorate.

The prognosis is mostly favorable with surgical treatment, especially in cats that present with paresis and good pain sensation in the affected limbs. The prognosis is guarded for paraplegic cats with reduced to no deep pain sensation. If surgery is not possible, conservative therapy might be considered but, in cats with paralysis, the chances of regaining independent movement are low.

Due to its progressive and possibly breed-related cause, preventing cats affected by IVDD from breeding is warranted.

IVDD is not contagious.

IVDD is more common in dogs and is considered relatively rare in cats. Purebred cats are twice more likely to be affected by IVDD than random-bred cats.

• Cage rest
• Pain medications
• Surgery