Disorder - Ataxia, cerebellar

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Feline panleukopaenia virus; Lysosomal storage disease; Feline hereditary neuroaxonal dystrophy

Presenting Signs

This condition is caused by damage to the cerebellum. The cerebellum is a part of the brain responsible for movement and coordination. If this structure is degraded it results in a loss of coordination, poor balance, abnormal gait (high stepping, jerky movements), and poor proprioception (knowing where a limb is in space). Affected animals typically have an ‘intention tremor’, trembling when they are concentrating on something (e.g. when they are about to walk/eat), and may stand in unusual positions or knuckle-over/drag feet as they are unsure of where their foot is in space. Affected cats are often described as ‘clumsy’ as they will stumble and fall over. Neurological signs are not present when the animal is sleeping. These animals typically start to show signs from seven to eight weeks of age. The symptoms worsen as the cerebellum becomes more degraded.

Cats at Risk

Although commonly associated with infectious processes such as feline panleukopaenia, cerebellar ataxia has also been described as cerebellar degeneration without inflammatory changes. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern; therefore cats are only at risk of disease if both their parents have a copy of the disease causing allele. Cats which have feline panleukopaenia virus, inherited lysosomal storage diseases or feline hereditary neuroaxonal dystrophy are at risk of developing secondary cerebellar ataxia.

Treatment

None. Cats which are carriers of the disease should not be used for breeding.

PubMed References
Ataxia, cerebellar

Contributor
Rebecca Carter