Cat & acquired flexural contracture deformity

[lehughes]

Hi Laurie,

I have had a quick look at the members page and forum, but have not found anything specific for a cat and possible condition from which he is suffering. I also was not sure which topic I should post this under on the forum.

Hence I am just wondering if you or any of the other members have any experience with rehabilitation for a cat with suspected - acquired flexural carpal deformity?

On Friday I saw a lovely 6 year old tom was referred to me by a local surgical specialist. The cat had been in a fight and now has a residual flexion contracture +/- neuropathy (?) of his carpus.
No xrays or neurological tests have been performed as yet, but when I examined him some sensory awareness and limited motor control of the paw was present. The injury is recent (approx 3-4 weeks on) and, although thickened, the muscles and tendons of the foreleg did not appear to be suffering contracture.

At the time I applied high frequency, low pulse magnetic field therapy and performed gentle r.o.m. exercises, both of which he was happy to receive. Possibly due to reduced sensory awareness?

I have given his owner some basic therapies (heat and gentle stretches) and exercises to perform (enticing play up a scratch post) and will be seeing him again in a week.

I reached out to a local cat only vet who had this to say initially.

" this is a recognised syndrome in cats, it is very common in the US where they perform onchyectomy and it is a possible complication. I have only seen it occasionally. It is generally recommended that the condition is treated surgically with tendon transection and possibly a pancarpal arthrodesis"

This seemed a fairly extreme solution, so I am reaching out to you (all) today to see what you experience might be.

I am due to see the cat again this coming Friday, so will be interested to see how he has progressed.

I find this type of case quite interesting as it is outside my normal field and I am keen to learn more so I can help others that may suffer this, or similar conditions.

Hopefully speak soon.

Still love to hear when you are coming to Australia for certain, and if you are going to be at next year's STAAR conference.

Kind Regards.

Carmel Keylock
RVN CCRP