Chiari-like malformation in a cat

Chiari-like malformations are rare in cats. In this case report, the aim is to share data on the diagnosis and treatment of a Chiari-like malformation in a cat. This case report is for an 8-month-old, 3 kg, female, mixed-breed cat. The cat was brought in by its owner with complaints of seizures and weakness in the hind limb. Clinical and neurological examination revealed signs of ataxic gait, tetraparesis, allodynia, and decreased corneal reflexes. As a result of the examinations, a cranial or cervical lesion was suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed findings such as ventriculomegaly, cerebellar herniation, medullary kinking, syringomyelia, and decreased cerebrospinal fluid flow at the first cervical level. Computed tomography revealed the absence of atlantooccipital overlap. In light of the findings, the patient was diagnosed with a Chiari-like malformation. Phenobarbital, gabapentin, furosemide, and prednisone were used for medical treatment. However, despite a week of medical treatment, no improvement was observed. Foramen magnum decompression was preferred as the operation method and titanium mesh was used to prevent scar tissue formation. The patient, whose condition improved in the postoperative period, died one week later due to aspiration pneumonia.