Chronic spinal epidural abscess in a cat: a case report with an unusual imaging finding

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 84; no. 1; pp. 69 - 73
• Main Authors: MIKI, Shingo, YAMASHITA, Kyoko AKIYAMA, OKAMOTO, Mei KANZAKI, IWANAGA, Yuto, FUKUDA, Shoko, MASHITA, Tadahisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.01.2022; Japan Science and Technology Agency; The Japanese Society of Veterinary Science
• Subjects: Abscesses; Animals; Atrophy; Case reports; Cat Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Cats; Computed tomography; Decompression; delayed diagnosis; Epidural; Epidural Abscess - diagnostic imaging; Epidural Abscess - veterinary; epidural empyema; feline; Intravenous administration; Paraplegia; Paraplegia - veterinary; Spinal cord; spinal cord compression; Spine; Surgery; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vertebrae; computed tomography; delayed diagnosis; feline; spinal cord compression; epidural empyema
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0462

A 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for a chronic history of back pain, dysuria, and paraplegia. Radiographic and computed tomographic examinations showed circumferential widening of the vertebral canal at T13 and T14. A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) compressing the spinal cord from the level of T11 to L1 was suspected following intravenous contrast administration, and was confirmed by surgical exploration and histopathological analysis. The cat recovered its motor and bladder functions following surgical decompression and antibiotic therapy. SEA is a neurological emergency requiring prompt treatment. However, the present case had a prolonged disease course and pressure atrophy of the vertebrae was strongly suspected. To our knowledge, this imaging finding has not been reported in dogs or cats with SEA.