Abstract
Objective This case series describes the clinical presentation, management and outcome of three
cats diagnosed with cervical intervertebral disc disease that underwent decompressive
ventral slot surgery.
Methods This is a retrospective case series evaluating client-owned cats undergoing a ventral
slot surgical procedure to manage cervical intervertebral disc disease (n = 3).
Results A routine ventral slot surgery was performed in each case without complication, resulting
in postoperative neurological improvement in all three cases.
Clinical Significance Ventral slot surgery can be used to achieve effective cervical spinal cord decompression
with a good long-term outcome in the management of feline cervical intervertebral
disc herniation. To avoid creating an excessively wide slot with the potential for
postoperative complications including vertebral sinus haemorrhage, vertebral instability
or ventral slot collapse, careful surgical planning was performed with preoperative
measurement of the desired maximum slot dimensions.
Keywords
feline - cervical disc - ventral slot
