Neck stiffness and exostoses in a cat fed liver
7-year-old domestic shorthair cat that for years has eaten almost exclusively home-prepared raw chicken liver. Neck stiffness, pain on manipulation, thoracic limb lameness and lack of grooming. Radiographs: confluent new bone bridging the cervical and cranial thoracic vertebrae, and periarticular exostoses at the elbows.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
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A. Mucopolysaccharidosis with skeletal dysplasia and vertebral fusion
Mucopolysaccharidoses are storage diseases that present in young cats with facial dysmorphism, corneal clouding and dwarfism. They do not fit an adult cat with a clear dietary history.
B. Osteochondrodysplasia with exostoses from a cartilage defect
Scottish Fold osteochondrodysplasia mainly affects the distal limbs and tail, with plantar and carpal exostoses. It does not cause cervical ankylosis in a common shorthair cat.
C. Hypervitaminosis A from the diet: ankylosing cervical spondylosis
Correct. Liver is very rich in vitamin A; chronic excess stimulates periosteal new bone at ligament and capsule insertions, especially in the cervical spine and elbows. It can compress nerve roots and cause pain and lameness.
D. Age-related degenerative spondylosis deformans
Degenerative spondylosis forms ventral osteophytes, mainly thoracolumbar and lumbar, and rarely causes pain. It does not explain extensive cervical fusion with elbow involvement in a 7-year-old cat.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Correct the diet with a complete, balanced food: pain and activity usually improve, but the bone already formed does not disappear. Always ask about home-made or raw diets in cats with neck stiffness or joint pain of unclear cause.
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Updated: November 1, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.