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