Disorder - Dysautonomia

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative Names
Key-Gaskell syndrome

Presenting Signs

This disease affects the autonomic nervous system. This is the nervous system responsible for such involuntary functions as movement of the intestines, dilation and constriction of the pupils, control of the heart and respiratory rates, and production of secretions such as saliva. Affected cats display signs associated with these functions. They may be depressed, have a reduced appetite, have difficulty swallowing, may regurgitate or vomit, and have persistently dilated pupils that do not respond to light, a prolapsed third eyelids and a low heart rate. They may also be unable to pass urine or faeces.

Cats at Risk

This disease has been mostly reported in cats in Western Europe, particularly Scandinavia and the UK, and the United States of America.

Treatment

Medical: Treatment is largely to alleviate the symptoms and includes supportive care to alleviate clinical signs such as fluid therapy to correct dehydration, feeding tubes, drugs to improve gastrointestinal motility and reduce vomiting, and medications to improve tear production and the function of the pupil of the eye.

PubMed References
Dysautonomia

Contributor
Anna Byron