Acupuncture treatment for feline multifocal intervertebral disc disease

Abstract

A 14-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was admitted to the Veterinary Medical Center, University of Minnesota for evaluation of severe hind limb ataxia, atrophy and paresis. Diagnosis based on physical examination, neurological assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was multifocal intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) with dorsal disc protrusion throughout the thoracic and cranial lumbar spine. The Oriental Medicine (OM) diagnosis (pattern identification) was painful obstruction (Bi) syndrome caused by phlegm-heat accumulation with blood stagnation in the spine. High dose prednisolone therapy (1.25mg/kg PO, once daily) initially did not show any significant improvement in clinical signs. The cat was then treated with several modes of acupuncture treatment including dry needle acupuncture, electro-acupuncture and scalp acupuncture along with Tui-Na (hand manipulation in OM) and physical therapy. Significant improvements in mobility, proprioception and spinal posture were noticed and the cat was able to rise, walk and run 4 months after starting acupuncture treatments. This is the first case report of feline IVDD with multiple sites of disc compression which was successfully treated with several modes of acupuncture treatment.

Fig 1.

MRI of multifocal feline IVDD. (A) MRI of sagittal view at the level of the midline. (T2 SAG FS): multiples areas of disc protrusion and degeneration throughout the thoracic and cranial lumbar spine were noted. Spinal cord compression at intervertebral spaces from T2 to T6 (n=4) and from L2 to L5 (n=3) was more pronounced. (B) Transverse MRI (AX T2 FRFSE) of the most severe disc protrusion by centrally protruding intervertebral disc at T3–T4 intervertebral disc space. (C) Transverse MRI of the lumbar space disc protrusions at the L3–L4 intervertebral disc space (AX T2 FRFSE) and moderate severe compression by centrally protruding intervertebral disc from L3 to L4 was remarkable.

Fig 2.

Chronological progress of motor function following several modes of acupuncture treatment including dry needle acupuncture, electro-acupuncture and scalp acupuncture. (A) Before acupuncture treatment and 10 days after prednisolone therapy (1.25 mg/kg PO, once daily). The cat showed neurological deficits including marked ataxia, dragging of the hind limbs, and was not able to rise or stand. (B) After third acupuncture treatment. The cat was able to rise by himself and stood around 18–20 s. (C) After fifth acupuncture treatment. The cat was able to rise and walk without falling down, and his back posture was relatively straight and balanced.