Pixel's Story

Meet Pixel…

She is 11 years old, and this is her amazing story…

Pixel had been showing signs of stiffness, which sadly deteriorated to paralysis in all four limbs.

When Pixel arrived at The Ralph she was in a collapsed state, and unable to move by herself.

Pixel was examined by our Neurology Clinician, Chris, and our Neurology Intern, Despoina. They identified several abnormalities, including neurogenic muscle atrophy (muscle wasting), severely reduced muscle tone, and absent reflex responses. It was therefore suspected Pixel had a type of motor neuron disease called polyradiculoneuritis. This is an uncommon disease in cats associated with inflammation of the nerves and nerve roots which causes muscle weakness and paralysis.

To find out if there was an underlying cause of Pixel’s polyradiculoneuritis, a full diagnostic investigation was conducted. For example, in some instances of polyradiculoneuritis, there may be an underlying infection or even neoplasia.

Blood tests, urine tests, X-rays and abdominal ultrasound all appeared to be normal. Therefore it was concluded that Pixel had idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis (no cause was identified).

Pixel was admitted to our Cat ICU and remained in the hospital for 18 days. During this time she received intensive therapy and round the clock care by our clinical team.

Pixel received pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications for her chronic stifle orthopaedic disease, along with antibiotics to treat the aspiration pneumonia (an infection caused by food or vomit entering the lungs) she had developed as a complication of her disease.

To build up her muscle strength, Pixel had regular physiotherapy sessions with our Head of Physiotherapy, Kim Sheader. Physiotherapy is an essential part of treatment for patients like Pixel, who have a neuromuscular disease.

After these 18 days Pixel was discharged home. She had improved greatly but was still unable to walk unaided.

But now…here she is. A remarkable improvement!

Pixel is continuing with her physiotherapy exercises and it is expected that she will make a full recovery. Just magical!