An Overview of Dysautonomia in Cats

When their elderly cat passed away, Jim and Karen knew that the following year, they'd be starting a three-year, job-related stint in England. They mourned their cat but after being overseas about six months, agreed to care for an absent co-worker's cat for a month. Much to their horror, the cat got sick after just a week. The veterinarian diagnosed the pet as suffering from dysautonomia, a rare condition in cats.

What is Dysautonomia in Cats?

Feline dysautonomia is a disorder linked to dysfunction of the animal's autonomic nervous system. This is the portion that functions without conscious control and includes glands, cardiac muscle, muscles of the digestive system, the cat's respiratory system, and skin, according to PetPlace.com. The illness occurs primarily in cats in Great Britain, though cases have recently begun to appear in the United States. PetMD.com indicates that among the states with the highest incidence of this disorder are California, Indiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Dysautonomia typically strikes cats less than three years old, with males and females affected in equal percentages. No breeds appear to be particularly at risk, and no cause or genetic basis has been identified. Experts sometimes also refer to dysautonomia in cats as Key-Gaskell syndrome.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The autonomic nervous system controls a cat's heart rate, respiration, urination, digestion, perspiration, salivation, eye pupil dilation, and blood pressure. It also moderates intestinal contractions, activity of various glands, and physical arousal.

Cats usually develop symptoms of dysautonomia suddenly. They range from anorexia to vomiting and diarrhea. Some pets have trouble urinating or become incontinent. Sometimes the third eyelid becomes elevated.

After thoroughly examining the cat, a veterinarian will order baseline tests. These include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, and urinalysis. Since the results are often within normal ranges, the vet might also order X-rays of the cat's chest and abdomen to look for a telltale dilated esophagus.

Barium studies can detect slow movement of contents through the cat's esophagus and stomach. Vets might also order ophthalmic pharmacologic tests in which specific medications administered into the eye reveal findings consistent with dysautonomia in cats.

Treatment and Home Care

All treatment for this disorder is designed to address individual symptoms since there is no known cause. The first step is determining whether the cat needs to be admitted for hospital care or can receive treatment on an outpatient basis.

At a minimum, vets administer intravenous (IV) fluids to ward off dehydration. In some cases, it might be necessary to utilize a feeding tube. Artificial tears can make the cat more comfortable. Keeping the pet in humidified air also boosts comfort. The cat's bladder will need to be manually expressed. Any other conditions are treated as they arise.

The prognosis for dysautonomia in cats is somewhat guarded. Many animals stricken with the condition don't survive. Among those who do, recovery typically takes longer than a year. Owners of survivors often discover that their pets have some type of permanent autonomic dysfunction and might need constant care. It's therefore essential to strictly follow a vet's directions for administering all medications and diet and to contact the practice if there is any change in the cat's condition, particularly difficulty in breathing.

Sources:

http://www.petplace.com/cats/dysautonomia-in-cats/page1.aspx

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_dysautonomia_key_gaskell_syndrome