Clinical Outcome of a Cat with Cauda Equina Syndrome Undergoing Electroacupuncture: A Case Report

Ehsan Emamjomeh; Farzad Zarif Dareh Yazdi Zad; Niloufar Erabi; Mohamadreza Paryani

doi:10.5455/JRVS.20250104052942

Abstract
Every year, many cats suffer spinal injuries due to accidents or falls from a height. Among these injuries, we can mention Caudo equina syndrome, which sometimes makes the animal unable to urinate and defecate voluntarily and sacrococcygeal region is injured. For reasons including the financial conditions of the pet owner, the patient does not undergo surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on cauda equina syndrome. A 7-month-old unneutered male cat fell from a height. Immediately, emergency measures were taken and the situation was stabilized. S1 vertebra damage was seen in the radiology. At first, the patient was unable to defecate and urinate. After a few weeks of drug treatment, no change was seen in the animal's condition, and urine and feces were removed only with a urinary catheter and an enema, respectively. Electro-acupuncture used in this study, and the authors were able to improve the patient's condition by this method. Electro-acupuncture can be considered as an alternative to surgery in cauda equina syndrome lesions, although this issue definitely needs further investigation.

Key words: Electroacupuncture- Caudo equina syndrome- Sacrococcygeal region- Vertebrae injuries- Feline high-rise syndrome