Spinal degeneration (Spondyloarthrosis)
Condition that develops over time, involving the occurrence of (spondylotic) exostoses with their shapes causing the bridging of intervertebral disc spaces. Spondylotic protrusions may lead to a significant limitation in spinal mobility; in addition, they tend to press against spinal nerves by laterodorsal bone spurs which narrow neural exits and cause painful fractures of the protrusions. Initially, the disease is asymptomatic. The symptoms of the condition include unwillingness to move, difficulty in rising, pareses of the paws and paralyses. Spondyloarthrosis is diagnosed less seldom in cats than in dogs. To a greater extent, the problem of the long-term therapy of spinal degeneration in cats entails the limited possibility of using chemotherapy drugs due to the spontaneous side reaction to some groups of drugs. Note that the problem occurs as concurrent in older animals suffering from uraemia. Therefore, the use of any types of rehabilitation procedures seems to be a perfect way to extend the therapeutic spectrum.
Case reports
Patients’ details:
- Species: cats
- Breed: European
- Sex: 10 males, 5 females
- Age: 10-15 years old
- Weight: 3-7 kg
- Castrated and sterilised
Observation site:
- “PROVET” Clinical Veterinarian Practice, Siemianowice Śląskie
- “GISZOWIEC” Veterinary Clinic, Katowice
Medical history:
Within the last twelve months, fifteen clients with their cats came to the clinics. Cats presented:
- Motion problems
- Unwillingness to play
- Lack of physical activity
- Paraplegia of pelvic limbs
- Problems with rising
- Defecation disturbances (faecal retention)
X-ray was done which showed:
- Changes in all spinal regions of a spondyloarthrosis nature
- Coprostasis suggesting the disturbances in the food transport and pressure against the arteries of the pelvic cavity
Biochemical analyses of blood samples showed:
- Urea concentration: 55-72 mg/dL
- Creatinine concentration: 1.2-1.9 mg/dL
- ALT concentration: 57-103 U/L
- AST concentration: 15-42 U/L
- Amylase concentration: 700-1,147 U/L
- ALP concentration: 50-98 U/L
Therapy
The laser therapy with laser light was taken up, with wavelengths of 660 nm and 808 nm, using the ETIUS ULM multifunctional equipment made by ASTAR from Bielsko-Biała.
Parameters of the procedures involving the use of laser light:
- Wavelengths: I i IR
- Dose: 6-12J/cm2
- Area of treatment: 25 cm2
- Power: max (5×40 mW and 4×400 mW)
- Frequenncy: 10 Hz
- Radiation mode: Pulse
- Duty factor: 50%
- Total energy: 150-300 J
- Techniques of the procedure: dynamic technique
- Treatment time: 2:46-5:33
- Frequenncy of treatment: every day
- Number of treatments in a series: 15 treatments
Results of the observations, parameter:
Motion problems | ||
Number of sessions: | Number of cats with the problem: | Percentage of healing: |
0 | 15 | 0% |
5 | 11 | 73% |
10 | 1 | 93% |
15 | 1 | 93% |
Paraplegia of lower limbs | ||
Number of sessions: | Number of cats with the problem: | Percentage of healing: |
0 | 6 | 0% |
5 | 4 | 33% |
10 | 2 | 64% |
15 | 1 | 83% |
Conclusions
- The laser light therapy raises the quality of life by improving motor abilities in cats with spondyloarthrosis suffering from uraemia.
- The laser light therapy allows for limiting anti-inflammatory chemotherapy in cats with spondyloarthrosis suffering from uraemia.
- The laser light therapy does not improve directly the function of internal organs; nevertheless, by improving defecation it creates conditions for limiting autointoxication.