A rare “U”-shaped sternal cleft in a cat—what advanced imaging revealed

Congenital sternal cleft in a DSH cat: A case report

Seyyed Hossein Modarres Tonekabony; Sarang Soroori; Parham Soufizadeh; Kimia Hajarizadeh

Background

Congenital anomalies of the sternum are rare in small animals, with sternal cleft representing one of the least commonly reported defects. The condition arises from incomplete fusion of the bilateral sternal bars during embryogenesis and may occur alone or in association with other thoracic or abdominal malformations. Veterinary literature contains only limited case descriptions, particularly in cats. This report aimed to document a rare, complete sternal cleft in a domestic shorthair (DSH) cat and to highlight the diagnostic value of advanced imaging modalities.

Methods

A 2-year-old neutered male DSH cat presented with vomiting and anorexia underwent comprehensive clinical, laboratory, and imaging evaluation. Diagnostic workup included complete blood count, serum biochemistry, abdominal ultrasonography, thoracic radiography, computed tomography (CT), and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of CT images. Imaging findings were interpreted to characterize the sternum and assess for concurrent thoracic abnormalities. Management decisions were based on clinical status and imaging results.

Results

Laboratory testing revealed leukocytosis and marked azotemia, consistent with systemic inflammatory disease and renal dysfunction. Thoracic radiographs showed an abnormal sternal configuration, prompting further evaluation. CT and 3D reconstruction confirmed a complete “U”-shaped sternal cleft, characterized by duplication of all sternebrae except the manubrium and seventh sternebra, with a duplicated xiphoid process. No associated cardiac, diaphragmatic, or major thoracic defects were identified, and the cat exhibited no respiratory signs. Supportive medical treatment was instituted for systemic disease; however, the cat ultimately died due to complications of renal failure and uremia.

Limitations

This report describes a single clinical case, limiting generalizability. Surgical correction was not pursued due to the patient’s systemic illness, precluding assessment of operative outcomes. Long-term follow-up regarding potential late-onset complications of the sternal cleft was not possible due to patient death.

Conclusions

This case documents a rare, complete “U”-shaped congenital sternal cleft in a cat, diagnosed using radiography, CT, and 3D reconstruction. The absence of respiratory or cardiac signs despite a severe anatomical defect underscores the variability in clinical presentation. Advanced imaging was essential for definitive diagnosis and anatomical characterization. Reporting such rare congenital anomalies expands current knowledge and supports informed clinical decision-making regarding conservative versus surgical management in asymptomatic patients.

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