Assessment of the quality of life of cats affected by paraparesis/paraplegia and urinary retention, and their impact on caregivers.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

In cats affected by severe thoracolumbar spinal cord pathologies, paraplegia and paraparesis, often accompanied by urinary retention, pose significant challenges, impacting both the cats' welfare and owners' lives. This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of cats affected by these conditions, and to evaluate the social and familial implications for caregivers.

Methods

The study was structured into two parts. The first part comprised direct observations of aspects of QoL in cats both in household and shelter settings, while the second part involved the distribution of questionnaires to cat owners and shelter operators.

Results

Cats with paraplegia/paraparesis and urinary retention can maintain a good QoL, with hindlimb mobility significantly infl

SUBMITTER: Canal S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11523251 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature