Feline dysautonomia - the Key-Gaskell syndrome

Authors: Lee EA, Jones BR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 4, pp 58, Apr 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cat, Companion animal
Subject Terms: Idiopathic disease, Nervous system/neurology
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: In 1981, Key and Gaskell in the United Kingdom recognised a new disease in cats which subsequently became known as the Key-Gaskell Syndrome. The incidence of this condition increased in the United Kingdom during 1982, and other workers described the clinical signs in more detail and were able to relate certain features of the disease to changes in the autonomic ganglia. Recently, the NZVA Small Animal Society was asked by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association for any evidence as to its presence in New Zealand. The purpose of this letter is to provide information on feline dysautonomia (Key-Gaskell Syndrome), which it is felt may assist veterinary practitioners to recognise the condition and determine if it occurs in this country. The Key-Gaskell Syndrome is primarily a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, i.e., a dysautonomia. Both preand post-ganglionic neurons of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems receive some form of insult which results in their degeneration and dysfunction. The nature and severity of the clinical signs depend upon the degree and distribution of lesions in an individual case…

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