Ventral fixation and dorsal decompression of a complex occipitoatlantoaxial malformation using a custom-made plate in a cat.

Case summary: The cat described in this case report presented with progressive non-ambulatory tetraparesis. It was diagnosed with an occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM), which resulted in severe compressive myelopathy. This condition was caused by a flattening of the occipital condyles and shortening of the vertebral body of the axis. In addition, there was dysplasia in the atlantoaxial joint, which was observed on CT. The cat was treated surgically using a plate, which was custom-made with the help of a three-dimensional model of the malformation. Three weeks after surgery, the cat was able to walk without assistance; 5 years after surgery, the cat showed a normal neurological examination.

Relevance and novel information: Surgical planning using three-dimensional technology was useful in a complex case of OAAM. This is the first documented feline case that uses this type of technology for this condition.