Surgical removal of an intradural brainstem foreign body (microchip) with a ventral basioccipital approach in a kitten.

Abstract

Case summary: A 2-month-old kitten was presented for ataxia and depressed mental status after implantation of a pet identification microchip. Radiographs were taken immediately by the referring veterinarian and showed a longitudinal metallic foreign body (electronic microchip) within the cervical vertebral canal at the craniocervical junction. A CT examination 2 days after the incident showed cranial migration of the microchip ventrally to the caudal brainstem. Ventral basioccipital craniectomy was immediately performed to retrieve the microchip by a ventral approach to the caudal brainstem. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and the cat was discharged 2 days later. At the 2-week follow-up, neurological examination of the cat was normal. No long-term complications were reported.

Relevance and novel information: This case report describes the intradural migration of a microchip and surgical removal via ventral basioccipital craniectomy.