Pneumorrhachis in a cat: case study and a literature review

Authors

  • Roman Aleksiewicz University Centre of Veterinary Medicine UJ-UR
  • Mikołaj Paściak Provet veterinary clinic

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12834/VetIt.2961.19671.2

Keywords:

cat, computed tomography, intervertebral disc disease, pneumorrachis, subarachnoid pneumatosis

Abstract

A three‑year‑old domestic shorthair cat was referred for treatment of pelvic limb paralysis. Imaging examinations revealed air in the spinal canal (pneumorrhachis). A right‑sided hemilaminectomy was performed to decompress the spinal cord, which led to full resolution of the symptoms within four weeks after the procedure. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spontaneous pneumorrhachis in a cat. As there are no treatment standards, we would like to add to their creation. The available literature on pneumorrhachis has also been reviewed.

Author Biography

Roman Aleksiewicz, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine UJ-UR

    Dr. Roman Aleksiewicz is an employee of University Center of Veterinary Medicine UJ-UR in Cracow.  He served apprenticeships in veterinary clinics in New South Wales in Australia, Brno in Czech Republic and in Viena. He is a founding member of Silesian Veterinary Policlinic Association, a founding member of Commission for Certification of Animal Congenital Testing of Polish Small Animal Veterinary Association (PSAVA), and a member of International Veterinary Radiology Association (IVRA). Dr. Roman Aleksiewicz specializes in orthopedy, surgery and radiology. He is also an author of clinical research papers and patented procedures used in treatment of small animals. 

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Published

2023-09-30

How to Cite

Aleksiewicz, R., & Paściak, M. (2023). Pneumorrhachis in a cat: case study and a literature review. Veterinaria Italiana, 59(3). https://doi.org/10.12834/VetIt.2961.19671.2

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Case report