Recurrent spinal arachnoid cyst in a cat

Spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) are uncommon expanding lesions in the spinal canal. They are rarely diagnosed in dogs, and there are only four published cases in cats. We report a case of a 12-year-old cat with recurrent signs of intermittent urinary incontinence and hind limb ataxia 2 years after surgical marsupialisation of a spinal arachnoid cyst at T11/12. Recurrence of a cyst was diagnosed by myelography. Repeated marsupialisation after laminectomy was successful and the cat recovered satisfactorily although intensive physical therapy was necessary. SACs are very rare in cats and seem to occur mainly as a secondary lesion to spinal and meningeal trauma or irritation due to bony changes of the vertebrae.