Use of Transilial Vertebral Blocking Procedure for Defecation Disorders in Cats: Surgical Technique and Outcomes in Four Cases.

This article presents the use of a transilial vertebral blocking procedure (TVBP) in 4 cats with varying degrees of defecation disorders, such as difficulty in assuming a defecation posture, constipation and, ultimately, development of megacolon. Each patient showed lumbosacral hypersensitivity and tenderness. In all patients, radiological examination revealed lesions at the L7-S junction of the spine (L7 – seventh lumbar vertebra, S – sacrum). For 3 patients, the suggested primary course of action was the injection of methylprednisolone acetate into the spinal canal. One patient had had a problem with passing stool since a traffic accident. X-ray examination revealed an inveterate pelvic fracture, which, however, did not result in a significant narrowing of the pelvic canal. Nevertheless, lumbar spine lesions (ventral curvature) with a significant degree of sacral verticalization were observed. The cat was not administered any anti-inflammatory medication. The average postoperative follow-up period was 19 months (from 14 to 28 months). The clinical condition improved in all patients. Two patients who had required daily enemas prior to surgery showed significant improvement. In a patient with an inveterate pelvic fracture, enemas were performed approximately once every 4 months, and the diameter of the colon decreased by about 50% to 20 mm without signs of dilatation. All patients demonstrated a lasting and significant improvement in bowel movements after the surgical procedure, which involved the transilial fixation of the L7-S space with Kirschner wire. No severe postoperative complications were observed. Practical significance: The transilial blocking procedure can be a safe alternative to colectomy in cats with defecation disorders due to abnormalities in the lumbosacral spine in cats.