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Animal Health - General (Expert Forum)
Cat has Spinal Trauma and lower half is Paralyzed
Answered by
Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A - Small Animals, dogs, cats, C.V.A, Western Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Herbalist, Acupuncture
American Animal Hospital
Randolph - NJ
This forum is for general pet health questions, such as questions about medications, parasites, vaccines, infectious diseases, breed specific and genetic problems.
Cat has Spinal Trauma and lower half is Paralyzed
by johnson25, Sep 22, 2008 04:55PM
My cat got out one evening i found her w/ blood pouring out of her rushed her to vet and he said was a car accident or fall. He said she had internal bleeding and possible broken bones as she couldn't (can't) move her hind legs, he kept her for a week took x-rays there is no broken spinal or hip bones internal bleeding has stopped. But she still can't walk, i know with any spinal trauma it takes time but i just need to know what to expect. I brought her home today and i was feeling her belly to see if she was holding in urine and i saw her hind legs move. What is the possibility that she is just weak from the trauma and will walk again? How could she move her legs if she has spinal/disc trauma? How do i work her legs to prevent muscle atrophy? I barely make ends meet and it cost a fortune to get her the care that she's had so far. How do i find a good doctor to do an MRI, and is it necessary to/when do i get an MRI? How do i afford one and still be able to pay my rent and bills? Alot of questions but i am in desparate need of advice someone who knows better than i. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME!
Doctor's Answer
by Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A, Sep 24, 2008 12:01PM
, Sep 24, 2008 12:01PM
I am really sorry about your poor cat!
An MRI may give you the definitive diagnosis and location of a severe spinal cord lesion, but it doesn't sound as if you could afford the MRI, or the neurosurgery to repair this kind of damage. And, most of all, for optimum results spinal cord surgery must be performed within 48 hours or so, from the accident.
With spinal cord injury, treatment includes high doses of anti-inflammatories, for a long period of time and holistic therapies if possible, such as acupuncture. You will need lots of patience, because nerves regenerate very slowly (at a rate of approximately 1/8 of an inch per month). It may take many months of treatment, and sadly, the treatment may not be effective. Only time will tell. Your cat will also need a lot of nursing care.
There are veterinary physical therapists, that you can take your cat to, but you may be able to do physical therapy by yourself at home. I googled pet physical therapy at home and came up with a number of web sites including the following one:
ezinearticles.com/?Physical-Therapy-for-Cats&id=500048
There were quite a few pet physical therapy sites and I would do a bit of research.
If you are willing to do lots of nursing care, physical therapy, and have the patience, it is worthwhile giving your cat a chance. If it turns out that your cat will never recover, and has poor quality of life, than you may have to make a decision.
Lastly, if you have not done so already you may be eligible for Care Credit. which is a low or zero percent credit card only to be used for veterinary or medical bills.
An MRI may give you the definitive diagnosis and location of a severe spinal cord lesion, but it doesn't sound as if you could afford the MRI, or the neurosurgery to repair this kind of damage. And, most of all, for optimum results spinal cord surgery must be performed within 48 hours or so, from the accident.
With spinal cord injury, treatment includes high doses of anti-inflammatories, for a long period of time and holistic therapies if possible, such as acupuncture. You will need lots of patience, because nerves regenerate very slowly (at a rate of approximately 1/8 of an inch per month). It may take many months of treatment, and sadly, the treatment may not be effective. Only time will tell. Your cat will also need a lot of nursing care.
There are veterinary physical therapists, that you can take your cat to, but you may be able to do physical therapy by yourself at home. I googled pet physical therapy at home and came up with a number of web sites including the following one:
ezinearticles.com/?Physical-Therapy-for-Cats&id=500048
There were quite a few pet physical therapy sites and I would do a bit of research.
If you are willing to do lots of nursing care, physical therapy, and have the patience, it is worthwhile giving your cat a chance. If it turns out that your cat will never recover, and has poor quality of life, than you may have to make a decision.
Lastly, if you have not done so already you may be eligible for Care Credit. which is a low or zero percent credit card only to be used for veterinary or medical bills.
