Disorder - Muscular dystrophy, Duchenne and Becker types

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Muscular dystrophy

Alternative Names
Hypertrophic feline muscular dystrophy; Dystrophin deficiency

Presenting Signs

Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy is caused by a deficiency in the muscle protein dystrophin. The disease is classified from the human form of the disease, where Duchenne is more severe (greater dystrophin deficiency; more severe clinical signs). This rare condition in cats is generally first seen around six months of age (although it can be seen much later). There is an obvious enlargement of the muscles around the trunk, limbs, tongue and diaphragm without the animal becoming fatter. This results in consequences not only for movement but also for eating and drinking. Affected cats slowly become rigid in their necks and often start to walk bow-legged and have a stiff or swaggering gait. As the condition worsens, they have to ’fall‘ onto their sides to lie down, as they are too stiff, and they cannot groom as normal. Other signs can include the tongue protruding (which can make it hard to drink or eat), excess salivation, panting, a lack of energy, and ’bunny-hopping‘, or moving both hind legs together when running. In some cases, the enlarged diaphragm, the sheet-like muscle separating the chest and abdomen, will make swallowing difficult. This can cause vomiting or regurgitation, as well as weight loss. Complications may also occur due to reduced water intake, and heart disease can develop due to heart muscle enlargement.

Cats at Risk

Male cats

PubMed References
Muscular dystrophy, Duchenne and Becker types

Contributor
Karanvir Kukreja