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Chiari-like malformation in two cats.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|October 14, 2017
Summary
Two cats with progressive neurological deficits were diagnosed with Chiari-like malformation, a condition affecting the brainstem and skull base. Surgical decompression of the foramen magnum resolved symptoms in one affected feline.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Medicine
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Progressive paresis and ataxia in domestic cats can indicate serious neurological conditions.
- Spinal cord lesions are often suspected in cases of feline ataxia and paresis.
Observation:
- Two neutered male domestic shorthaired cats presented with progressive paresis and ataxia.
- Neurological examinations pointed towards a spinal cord lesion, but blood and cerebrospinal fluid analyses were normal.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed occipital bone malformation with cerebellar vermis herniation through the foramen magnum.
Findings:
- The MRI findings were consistent with a Chiari-like malformation in both cats.
- No syringomyelia was detected despite the cerebellar herniation.
- Clinical signs progressed over one year, with imaging findings remaining consistent.
Implications:
- Foramen magnum decompression surgery was performed on one cat, leading to a complete resolution of clinical signs.
- This suggests that Chiari-like malformation is a treatable cause of progressive neurological deficits in cats.
- Further research into feline Chiari-like malformation and surgical outcomes is warranted.
