Disorder - Mannosidosis, alpha

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Lysosomal storage disease

Alternative Names
Alpha-mannosidase deficiency; Lysosomal storage disease

Presenting Signs

Cats with alpha-mannosidosis lack the enzyme alpha-mannosidase. This chemical normally helps to break down the sugar mannose. In this disorder, the deficiency of the enzyme leads to the build-up of mannose-rich compounds; this is harmful to cell function. Common signs of alpha-mannosidosis include head tremors, uncoordinated gait, eye abnormalities and stunted growth. If severe, paralysis and death may occur.

Cats at Risk

Cats deficient in the enzyme alpha-mannosidase

Breeds Affected
Persian


Treatment

None: medical therapy has been used with some success experimentally using a retrovirus to deliver alpha-mannosidase to cells, as has bone marrow transplantation, however these therapies are not commercially available.

PubMed References
Mannosidosis, alpha

Contributor
Emma Leary