A suspected case of feline dysautonomia

Authors: Beban RLG, Lindsay RG, Beban HJ, Bentall HP
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 35, Issue 4, pp 58, Apr 1987
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

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

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Abstract: The purpose of this letter is to describe a case seen in our Levin Clinic which has many of the features characteristic of feline dysautonomia the Key-Gaskell syndrome. Information on the history, clinical signs, pathology and treatment of the condition are given by Jones and Lee. In July 1986 a 2½ year old spayed female tabby cat “Kitty” was presented for examination. She had inappetence of four days duration, regurgitation, faecal and urinary incontinence and bilateral persistently dilated pupils. “Kitty” was thin and moderately depressed with a temperature of 39.2% The heart rate was noticeably slower than normal but the rate was not recorded at the time. The pupils were unresponsive to light but did contract when 1% pilocarpine eye drops were administered. The fundus was normal, as was the conjunctiva. The cornea appeared dry. There was no ocular discharge. Treatment was initiated with antibiotics for 10 days as the fever indicated a possible infectious agent. In addition, 100 mg thiamine disulphide nitrate* and 2 mg dexamethasone sodium5 was given. The pilocarpine eye drops were administered every ½  hour for the first four hours, then three times daily. When the frequency of administration of the pilocarpine eye drops were decreased. the pupils dilated again and remained dilated. The cat gradually improved over several days and started eating. At this stage we were not aware of the syndrome of feline dysautonomia. We were puzzled by the dilated pupils, and postulated an initial viral neuritis which resulted in chronic nervous dysfunction…

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