Paraparesis (paraplegia), tetraparesis (tetraplegia), urinary/fecal incontinence. Spinal cord diseases

Abstract

Paraparesis (paraplegia) refers to partial (-paresis) or complete (-plegia) loss of voluntary motor function in the pelvic limbs. Similar involvement of all four limbs is termed tetraparesis (tetraplegia). Paraparesis generally results from spinal cord lesions caudad to the second thoracic spinal cord segment, whereas tetraparesis occurs because of lesions craniad to this segment (see discussion of spinal cord lesion localization in The Neurologic Examination and Lesion Localization, on page 328). The limbs may be affected equally; however, asymmetric lesions cause greater clinical involvement on the ipsilateral side. Strictly unilateral lesions at C1-T2 result in clinical involvement on only the affected side of the body (hemiparesis, hemiplegia). Monoparesis (monoplegia) occurs subsequent to unilateral T2-S1 lesions. Trauma and neoplasia are the most common spinal cord diseases affecting cats. Urinary and fecal incontinence often occur concomitant with paresis. General concepts relating to disorders of micturition are discussed at the conclusion of this chapter.