Prevalence of spondylosis deformans in the feline spine and correlation with owner-perceived behavioural changes

H. C. Kranenburg; B. P. Meij; E. M. L. van Hofwegen; G. Voorhout; L. I. Slingerland; P. Picavet; H. A. W. Hazewinkel

doi:10.3415/VCOT-11-06-0092

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2012; 25(03): 217-223
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-11-06-0092

Original Research

Schattauer GmbH

Prevalence of spondylosis deformans in the feline spine and correlation with owner-perceived behavioural changes

H. C. Kranenburg

¹Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht, The Netherlands

,

B. P. Meij

¹Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht, The Netherlands

,

E. M. L. van Hofwegen

¹Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht, The Netherlands

,

G. Voorhout

²Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Utrecht, The Netherlands

,

L. I. Slingerland

¹Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht, The Netherlands

,

P. Picavet

³Hill's Pet Nutrition, Westbroek, Breda, The Netherlands

,

H. A. W. Hazewinkel

¹Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht, The Netherlands

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

Objectives: The primary objective was to determine the prevalence, spinal distribution, and association with the signalment of cats suffering from different grades of feline spondylosis deformans (spondylosis). The secondary objective was to document behavioural changes associated with spondylosis by owner observation.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the prevalence of feline spondylosis (group 1). A prospective study was performed to determine the association between radiographic abnormalities of the lumbosacral region (L3-S1) and owner perceived behavioural changes based on a completed questionnaire (group 2). The radiographs were reviewed using a grading system (0–3) for spondylosis.

Results: The prevalence of spondylosis in group 1 was 39.4% (158/402). Cats with spondylosis were significantly older than cats without spondylosis (p <0.001). The thoracic (T) vertebrae T4-T10 were most often affected by spondylosis, but spondylosis was most severe in the T10-S1 vertebrae. In group 2, spondylosis of the lumbosacral region was significantly correlated with owner-reported behavioural changes, such as a decreased willingness to greet people and to being petted, increased aggressiveness, and a poor perceived quality of life (p = 0.037).

Clinical significance: This study found that feline spondylosis is common and that spondylosis of the lumbosacral region may be accompanied by behavioural changes.

Keywords

Spondylosis deformans - cat - prevalence - questionnaire - clinical signs

Full Text

References

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