A 12-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented to the Neurology and Neurosurgery Service of the Hospital Ars Veterinaria with a chronic history of tenesmus and lumbosacral pain. At initial presentation, the neurological examination was normal except from a low tail carriage and marked pain at the lumbosacral region. Radiography and MRI (0.2 Tesla unit; Esaote Grande) of the lumbosacral vertebral column were consistent with mild DLSS (), and lumbosacral decompressive surgery was recommended. Methadone (0.3 mg/kg [Metasedin; Esteve]), alfaxalone (1 mg/kg [Alfaxan; Dechra]) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg [Midazolam; Normon]) were administered intravenously as premedication. Anaesthesia was induced with alfaxalone (1 mg/kg [Alfaxan; Dechra]) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg IV [Midazolam; Normon]) and maintained with inhaled isoflurane (Isovet; Braun) and 100% oxygen. Cephalexin (25 mg/kg [Cefazolina Normon; Normon Laboratories]) and meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg SC [Metacam; Boehringer Ingelheim]) were administered intravenously after induction. A standard dorsal L7–S1 laminectomy preserving the articular facet joints with subsequent annulectomy and discectomy were performed uneventfully. A mild intervertebral disc protrusion was also evident. Moderate dorsal compression of the spinal roots secondary to hypertrophy of the ligament and ventral deviation of the dorsal aspect of the sacrum were also noticed. The laminectomy site was covered with a moisture-stable collagen haemostatic foam sponge (Lyostypt; B.Braun Vetcare, Terrassa). Meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg PO q24h for 5 days [Metacam; Boehringer Ingelheim]), gabapentin (10 mg/kg PO q8h for 10 days [Gabapentina; Teva]) and 4 weeks of strict rest were recommended. At re-examination 1 week later, the neurological examination was normal and the lumbosacral pain had resolved. Three weeks later, the owners reported that the cat had completely recovered the ability to defaecate normally. Four months later, the cat was examined again following a traumatic event at home. The owner had been holding the cat as it had tried to jump, resulting in the cat falling backwards and landing on the floor, after which the cat vocalised. Since then it appeared painful and had been reluctant to ambulate. Neurological examination showed low tail carriage, weakness, exercise intolerance, left pelvic limb lameness and diminished withdrawal reflexes in both pelvic limbs. Severe sacrocaudal pain was also apparent on clinical examination. A lateral radiograph identified L7–S1 traumatic spondylolisthesis, shortening of the lamina of L7 and fracture of the L7 articular facets (). A second MRI was performed using a 1.5 Tesla unit (Toshiba Medical EDAN; Japan). T2-weighted (T2W), T1-weighted (T1W) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images were acquired in the sagittal plane. Transverse T2W, T1W and T2* images, and dorsal STIR images were also obtained. Post-contrast T1W images were acquired in the sagittal and transverse planes after intravenous administration of gadolinium (0.1 mmol/kg [Gadoteridol; Pro-Hance]). MRI confirmed the abnormalities observed in the radiographs and demonstrated compression of the cauda equina roots. A second surgery to stabilise the vertebrae was recommended but declined by the owners. The cat was discharged with meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg PO q24h for 7 days [Metacam; Boehringer Ingelheim]), gabapentin (10 mg/kg PO q8h for 10 days [Gabapentina; Teva]) and 4 weeks of strict rest. One month later, the owners reported progressive worsening of clinical signs (lumbosacral pain, reluctance to jump and tenesmus). At this point, they agreed to perform the surgical procedure. Anaesthesia was induced using the same protocol described in the first surgery. The surgical approach was made through the previous dorsal access. The residual scar tissue found in the previous surgical area was partially debrided. Once the vertebral canal and nerve roots were identified and exposed, the facet fractures were localised. The fractures were considered to be unstable and surgical stabilisation was then attempted. Four 1.5 mm screws (Aesculap; Instrumevet) were placed across each L7–S1 facet joint in a craniolateral direction. The surgical field was irrigated with sterile solution and dried using gauze sponges in preparation for the application of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). A 20 ml aliquot of gentamicin PMMA (Palamed G; Heraeus) in semi-liquid phase was applied dorsally to enshroud all pins, avoiding contact with the dorsal laminectomy site and cauda equine nerve roots. Modelling of the cement bolus was undertaken while performing copious irrigation. Routine closure was performed. Postoperative radiographs showed appropriate placement of screws and PMMA and vertebral realignment (). The cat was discharged 2 days later with a residual, moderate ambulatory paraparesis and mild lumbar pain. Meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg PO q24h for 5 days [Metacam; Boehringer Ingelheim]), gabapentin (10 mg/kg PO q8h for 10 days [Gabapentina; Teva]), cephalexin (25 mg/kg PO q12h for 5 days [Rilexine; Virbac]) and 4 weeks of strict rest were recommended. One month later, the neurological examination was repeated and found to be normal. A telephone follow-up with the owner 4 months later confirmed that no further clinical signs had been observed.