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. 2025;16(8):475-480.
doi: 10.30466/vrf.2024.2036500.4374. Epub 2025 Aug 15.

The study of spinopelvic parameters measurement by computed tomography in Scottish cats

Dorna Ghassemi  1 , Amirali Raissi  1 , Varia Tohidi  1
Affiliations

The study of spinopelvic parameters measurement by computed tomography in Scottish cats

Dorna Ghassemi et al. Vet Res Forum. 2025.

Abstract

Understanding spinopelvic parameters is crucial for diagnosing skeletal and muscular disorders. This study was the first to measure spinopelvic parameters, specifically pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS) in Scottish cats using computed tomography (CT). the research analyzed twelve Scottish cats (4.00 - 6.00 kg, 2 - 3 years old). The mean values obtained were 48.80° for PI, 26.00° for PT and 22.80° for SS. The PI = PT + SS equation was valid in healthy cats but failed in cases with spondylosis and pelvic fractures indicating its potential diagnostic utility. Pearson correlation analysis showed no significant relationship between PI and PT or PI and SS, however, a significant negative correlation between PT and SS was observed. This suggested that as PT increased, SS decreased. The study established baseline values for PI, PT, and SS in Scottish cats and highlighted the potential for using these parameters in feline diagnostics. The failure of the PI = PT + SS equation in pathological cases underscored its role in identifying specific conditions such as spondylosis and pelvic fractures. This foundational data was crucial for assessing spinopelvic alignment and diagnosing spinal disorders in cats. The findings suggested that deviations from baseline values could aid in diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders, optimizing treatment and preventing complications. Further research is needed to explore how variations in these parameters relate to different spinal conditions.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Pelvic incidence; Pelvic tilt; Sacral slope; Scottish cats.

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Conflict of interest statement

None to declare.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
A) Sagittal slice of pelvic computed tomography (CT) image of the Scottish cat showing coordinates of the right femoral heads; B) Sagittal slice of pelvic CT with coordinates of the left femoral head; C) Midsagittal CT slice of the patient. The point with average coordinates of the femoral head center determines the midpoint of the hip axis.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Spinopelvic parameters in a Scottish cat with spondylosis. A) Pelvic incidence (PI) index measured in the sagittal plane of the Scottish cat; B) Pelvic tilt (PT) index measured in the sagittal plane of the Scottish cat; C) Sacral slope (SS) index measured in the sagittal plane of the Scottish cat.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
spinopelvic parameters in a Scottish cat with a pelvic fracture. A) Pelvic incidence (PI) index measured in the sagittal plane of the Scottish cat; B) Pelvic tilt (PT) index measured in the sagittal plane of the Scottish cat and C) Sacral slope (SS) index measured in the sagittal plane of the Scottish cat.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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