Nerve root signature in a cat: Presentation and treatment following acetabular fracture stabilisation and sacral fracture displacement

Abstract

AbstractNerve root signature presents as discomfort and lameness in a single limb related to disease involving the spinal nerve roots or spinal nerve itself. It has been well described in dogs with disc protrusion or herniation. In this case, a 10‐month‐old, female, entire Bengal cat presented with nerve root signature and deterioration in ability to ambulate following acetabular fracture repair. The cat was reluctant to move and markedly uncomfortable on even gentle manipulation of the pelvic limb. A right sacral wing fracture was suspected to be compressing the right L7–S1 nerve root on computed tomography. Revision surgery was performed to remove the fragment, and the cat gradually made a full recovery. Compression of nerve roots L7–S1 by sacral fractures causing nerve root signature should be considered in cats presenting non‐ambulatory and exquisitely uncomfortable after surgery.