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

Abstract

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.