Sublumbar abscess and diskospondylitis in a cat

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2005 Sep-Oct;46(5):396-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2005.00072.x.

Abstract

Diskospondylitis is uncommon in cats. We describe a cat with diskospondylitis of the L7-S1 intervertebral disk, and a concurrent sublumbar abscess. Radiographic, computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings are presented. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures of blood and spinal fluid yielded no growth. Aerobic and anaerobic urine cultures resulted in growth of an Enterococcus sp. and Clostridium perfringens, respectively. The cat was successfully treated with enrofloxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Clinical signs resolved completely, and based on follow-up ultrasonography there was no remaining evidence of the sublumbar abscess. Etiologic agents and outcome from other cats with diskospondylitis are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cat Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Cat Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cat Diseases / microbiology
  • Cats
  • Clostridium perfringens / isolation & purification
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Enterococcus / isolation & purification
  • Lumbar Vertebrae* / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Sacrococcygeal Region* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spondylitis / diagnosis
  • Spondylitis / veterinary*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents