Selena: Rehabilitation of a Cruciate Injury in a Cat

Selena is a 14-year-old Himalayan cat who presented to VRSVA with a cruciate injury and severe loss of muscle in her left rear limb. Cruciate injuries are relatively rare in cats and are usually traumatic in nature. On presentation, Selena was painful and resistant to use the injured limb. While sitting she would hold her left rear limb straight to the side, avoiding flexion.

Cats can be nervous in new settings so special care is taken to make each session a positive experience. Feliway, a calming spray that works by mimicking the pheromones produced by mother cats, was used on bedding during each session. Selena also started each rehabilitation session by laying on a PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy) bed for 5-10 minutes. This therapy modality helps release endorphins, stimulate blood flow, and improve comfort.

Selena was also treated with Class IV laser therapy and shockwave therapy to stimulate healing and mitigate pain. Her nutrition was evaluated and a feline-specific protein was added to her diet to encourage muscle mass. A joint supplement was added to improve joint health.

Selena then began exercise in the underwater treadmill. It may come as a surprise that most cats tolerate the underwater treadmill very well! The partial buoyancy provided by the water  allowed Selena to exercise in the treadmill more comfortably and to begin building strength in her limb. Standing weight shifting exercises were developed for Selena to work on at home between physical therapy sessions.

She slowly developed more muscle mass and her comfort gradually improved. She regained use of this limb and is now able to comfortably sit squarely as well. We are so happy to see Selena doing so well and we are so grateful for her dedicated owner who helped make it all happen!