title: Resolution of life-threatening dysphagia caused by caudal occipital malformation syndrome following foramen magnum decompressive surgery.
abstract: A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was presented with acute onset, life-threatening dysphagia suspected to be secondary to medulla oblongata compression caused by caudal occipital malformation syndrome. The patient required urgent tracheostomy tube placement to remain stable and was subsequently cured of the presenting neurological deficits by foramen magnum decompressive surgery. Neurogenic dysphagia is a relatively common presenting sign in human Chiari malformation syndromes, but has not been described as a major clinical sign in veterinary patients. Caudal occipital malformation syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis list for susceptible breeds presenting with dysphagia. Early recognition favours expeditious surgical intervention and a positive outcome in human patients, and this may also be the case in veterinary patients.
authors: North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre, Crows Nest, Sydney, New South Wales 2065, Australia. kjgraham@optusnet.com.au
authors: K J
authors: KJ
authors: Graham
authors: A P
authors: AP
authors: Black
authors: P H
authors: PH
authors: Brain
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005539:Foramen Magnum / Q000601:surgery*; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome