Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Chiari-like brain malformation causing wobbling and weakness in two
By Minato, S & Baroni, M·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2018·Valdinievole Veterinary Clinic, Italy·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Chiari-like malformation in two cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two male domestic shorthaired cats were brought in for weakness and coordination problems. After a thorough examination and MRI, they were diagnosed with a Chiari-like malformation, which is a condition where part of the brain pushes into the spinal canal. One cat underwent surgery to relieve pressure at the base of the skull, and this procedure successfully resolved his symptoms. Unfortunately, the second cat did not receive surgery, and his condition remained unchanged over the year.
People also search for: cat weakness coordination problems · Chiari-like malformation in cats · cat surgery for brain issues
Abstract
Two male, neutered, domestic, shorthaired cats were evaluated for progressive paresis and ataxia. Neurological examinations suggested a spinal cord lesion in each case. Complete blood examination and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were unremarkable in both cats. MRI revealed malformation of the occipital bone with herniation of the cerebellar vermis through the foramen magnum but without syringomyelia. Chiari-like malformation was suspected in both patients. MRI repeated one year later in both cats because of progression of clinical signs yielded the same findings as the initial scans. Foramen magnum decompression in one cat was associated with resolution of clinical signs.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29027670/