Multiple Cervical Vertebral Malformations in a 21-Week-Old Kitten

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2019 Sep/Oct;55(5):256-260. doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6865.

Abstract

A 21 wk old, 2 kg neutered male domestic shorthair presented with a 24 hr history of acute-onset severe nonambulatory tetraparesis with no known inciting cause. Neurologic examination revealed a C1-C5 myelopathy. Computed tomography of the vertebral column and thorax revealed incomplete ossification of the C2 and C3 vertebrae and lung bullae. After 4 wk of conservative management, the client reported a return to normal ambulation with reluctance to jump up. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a feline case of incomplete ossification of cervical vertebrae. The cervical malformations outlined in this report are differentials to consider in cases of acute-onset tetraparesis in cats.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / congenital*
  • Cat Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Cat Diseases / pathology
  • Cats
  • Cervical Vertebrae / abnormalities*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Osteogenesis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed