Case Study

RAD – Congenital transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral transitions in a 5 year old MN DLH cat

This 5 year old MN DLH cat presented for non weight bearing on both hind legs. Exam showed generalized weakness and ataxia in hind limbs on ambulation, no lameness noted. No pain noted. Hind limbs are warm. Mild crossing over of hind limbs when walking, cutaneous trunci present. CP present.

Image Interpretation

Rads of the abdomen/pelvis – A symmetric thoracolumbar transitional vertebra is seen.

The gap between the 1st and 2nd sacral spinout process is wide. The spinous processes are not expected to fuse completely to a median sacral crest in the cat. However the gap is significantly wider than the distance between the 2nd and 3rd sacral segments, which is suggestive for a lumbosacral transitional vertebra.

DX

The spine is radiographically within normal limits

Outcome

Congenital transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral
transition – considered incidental. An underlying cause of the clinical
presentation is not identified.
Consider further definition by MRI in case the patient remains refractory to the
initiated empirical treatment.