Physiotherapy and acupuncture in young domestic felines (Felis Catus) with osteoarticular pathologies (2021)

Over the last few years, Physiotherapy and Acupuncture have gained place as part of feline rehabilitation protocol, due to their positive outcomes when combined as part of a multidisciplinary approach team. In this way, it is possible to achieve optimal functional mobility and recovery in shorter times. As in other species, osteoarticular pathologies are often painful and appropriate treatment is required to improve the animal's quality of life. Both therapies, through different mechanisms of action, aim to: produce analgesia, prevent development of contractures, release fascia restrictions and muscle trigger points, restore normal ROM and promote postural reeducation. The objective of this clinical report is to highlight the importance of physiotherapy and acupuncture as a complement to conventional treatment in the early diagnosis of congenital or traumatic osteoarticular pathologies in felines.

Methods: Two young feline patients were referred to Physiotherapy and Acupuncture who were diagnosed by medial patellar luxation and degenerative joint disease based on X-ray studies and clinical evaluation. All were treated with physical therapy, acupuncture and moxibustion. Physiotherapy treatment used was: pulsed magnetic field, low level laser therapy and TENS. As part of kinesic protocol, massage therapy, passive range of motion and myofascial therapy were performed. Acupuncture treatment consisted on the application of needles in the following acupuncture points, Stomach channel (35E, 35bisE, 36E), Spleen Pancreas channel (6BP, 9BP), Gallbladder channel (34VB), Large Intestine channel (4IG), leaving the needles for 15 minutes. This technique was combined with moxibustion.

Case Description 1: A 10 months old, entire male Persian breed feline, was referred with clinical signs of intermittent lameness of the right hind limb, reduced ROM, decreased willingness and ability to jump. The diagnosis of medial patellar luxation was confirmed by radiography.

Case Description 2: A 3 years old, neutered male European common feline, with recurrent pain crisis in lumbo-sacral spine region, reluctance to move, with minimal response to injectable analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment. The radiography confirmed degenerative joint disease and listhesis in L7-S1 intervertebral space and 1st-degree hip-femoral dysplasia with a right predominance. On physical examination, hyperalgesia of lumbar and lumbo-sacral region was identified, as well as moderate gluteal muscle contracture. In both cases 10 alternating sessions of physiotherapy and acupuncture were carried out once a week.

Results: The patients were treated with combined therapeutic sessions showing a substantial improvement after third session. The therapy allowed to reduced muscle contracture, pain relief, restored ROM and normal functionality.

Conclusion: Combined Physiotherapy and Acupuncture as a complement to medical treatment in young feline patients with osteoarticular pathologies, demonstrate a notable functional recovery improvement. Early physiotherapy and acupuncture intervention should be considered as part of the pain management to prevent muscle atrophy, build muscle mass and strength, and increase flexion and extension ROMs. As well as they almost completely lack side effects and allow reducing the dose or even withdrawing the administration of anti-inflammatories and analgesics. Any rehabilitation programme should be tailored to the patient, based on the individual feline’s identified problems and needs.