Suspected hindlimb peripheral nerve damage in a feline patient

Neurological disease, whether central or peripheral, is an uncommon cause of lameness in the feline patient (Garosi, 2012). However, it must be considered as a possibility when investigations do not reveal an obvious orthopaedic or soft tissue cause.

Lameness relating to neurological disease can be difficult to confirm and localise without advanced investigations such as magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. A thorough clinical examination, together with radiographic images and an in-depth knowledge of the motor and sensory functions of the peripheral nerves which innervate the limb, can assist with a presumed diagnosis. This can help ascertain the best course of action to take in first opinion practice where advanced modalities are not available, and referral is not an option for the owner.

Ideally, examination of the feline patient should begin with gait analysis in order to determine which limb(s) is affected, and to identify whether a true lameness is present or whether the patient is monoparetic. Monoparesis is defined as a loss of voluntary motor function in an individual limb as a result of disease or injury to the peripheral nerve or unilateral spinal cord damage.