Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is a stroke of the spinal cord. Fragments of fibrocartilage, believed to come from the intervertebral disc, block spinal cord vessels and cause infarction (MSD). It is mainly a dog disease and is rare in cats. In cats the diagnosis is usually made on MRI and is better called presumptive ischaemic myelopathy.
Key facts
Fibrocartilaginous emboli at a glance- Species and system: cat, spinal cord (vascular disease); rare in cats compared with dogs.
- Cause: embolism or ischaemia of spinal cord vessels; fibrocartilage emboli are proved only at necropsy.
- Classic presentation: sudden, often asymmetric paresis or paralysis, usually not painful once the first moments have passed.
- Cats affected: mainly middle-aged to older cats, many with another disease such as hypertension, hyperthyroidism, renal disease or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Diagnosis: MRI plus exclusion of other causes.
- Treatment: supportive care and rehabilitation, no surgery.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
11 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 3 tables, 3 self-test questions and 7 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
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