Cervical ventroflexion in cats: 86 cases (2003–2024)

Objectives The aim of this study was to characterise cervical ventroflexion in cats, investigate which diseases are associated with its occurrence and evaluate treatment outcome. Methods This retrospective, two-centre study spans the period from 2003 to 2024. The inclusion criteria consisted of complete medical records, presence of cervical ventroflexion, baseline clinicopathological testing and a diagnosis. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all cats. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to compare the feline hypokalaemic myopathy (FHM) group vs all other diagnoses. Results A total of 86 cats met the inclusion criteria. The most common diagnoses associated with cervical ventroflexion were FHM (42/86, 48.8%), hyperthyroidism (10/86, 11.6%), thiamine deficiency (9/86, 10.5%), immune-mediated polyneuropathy (6/86, 7%), cervical ischaemic myelopathy (5/86, 5.8%), acquired myasthenia gravis (3/86, 3.5%) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) meningoencephalomyelitis (3/86, 3.5%). Absence of additional neurological deficits ( P = 0.020) was significantly associated with a diagnosis of FHM, whereas lateralisation of neurological signs ( P = 0.004) was negatively associated with FHM. In most of the cats (65/86, 75.6%) that received treatment depending on the diagnosis, cervical ventroflexion had been reversible upon discharge. Conclusions and relevance Cervical ventroflexion is a neurological sign associated with either FHM when present as the sole sign, or another diagnosis when accompanied by additional neurological signs. It is usually reversible with treatment. This information may further assist clinicians in decision-making, especially when time or financial constraints exist.