PowerPoint-esitys

Rehabilitation of Paraplegic kittenPresentation based on articleDipika Kadaba

Key words

Cat paraplegia depression physiotherapy

Spinal traumaSerious medical conditionEspecially veterinary cases, as most patients are likely to be euthanizedWITHOUT medical or surgical interventionDespite studies:Paraplegic cats can sometimes regain normal ambulatory functions

Earlier curedCage rest with restricted movementPhysiotherapyWell-known but only few reports of the extent of improvement

the value of psycological support is NEGLECTED in veterinary therapeutics

Three weeks old parapletic kittenhttp://stuffofawesome.com/lewis-our-paraplegic-kitten-at-3-weeks-old-1310925603-7243.jpg.html

Kittens symptomsAbnormal elevation over the thoracic spinal regionAbdominal and urinary bladder distensionAtrophy of hind limb musclesFaecal incontinenceUrine retention alongLoss of motor control and sensation in the lower half of the body

Treatment Combination ofRest and dietPhysiotherapyClinical therapy

Four weeks of rest and proper diet+no signs of paresis remained in any region of the body+full range of motion of all limbs was regained

BUT-losing natural tendency to play and explore-time spent on grooming was less than normal - lack of interest in her surroundings-> depression!Full recovery protracts

PhysiotherapyInitially patient resisted, eventually enjoyedPsychological mainstay from therapist patients actively participate in exercise

willing to walk for a markedly longer duration when accompanied by people as opposed to when she was alone. Consisting flexion and extension of the hind limbs alternately

9

Clinical treatmentInfrared LightTwice daily for five to ten minutes Faradic current therapy (=Neuromuscular electrical stimulation)Followed current along the spine and hind limbs development of hind limb muscle tonenormal ambulatory capability

DiscussionRecovery from the poor initial prognosis is not possible without psychological encouragement When the spinal trauma is not severe, medical treatment may be sufficientused in this case as there were signs of spontaneous improvement without surgical intervention.Euthanasia is not the only option

ConclusionCarefully planned physiologial exercise with intensive supportResting Proper dietAnd psysical treatmentswas employed towards the recovery of the patient

References

http://vetscan.co.in/v6n1/82-Rehabilitation-Paraplegic-Kitten-Acute-Depression.htm

Thank You for listening meElina AirolaVeterinary MedicineTartu 2011