Disorder - Spastic syndrome

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Stiff man syndrome (humans); Spastic syndrome (sheep)

Alternative Names
Congenital muscular dystrophy

Presenting Signs

Cats that are affected by 'spasticity' usually present with obvious problems between six and twenty weeks of age. Clinical disease mainly involves muscular weakness. Associated signs include downward extension of the head and neck and 'head bobbing', and the shoulder blades may be raised. Furthermore, affected cats may have an enlarged oesophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach); this is known as megaoesophagus. This affects the cat's ability to eat, and at the same time weakness of the mouth and throat muscles makes eating and drinking even more difficult. Due to these problems, cats are prone to choking and may die suddenly.

Cats at Risk

Purebred cats are more likely to suffer spastic syndrome. The condition is inherited in a recessive fashion with complete penetrance.

Breeds Affected
Devon Rex


Treatment

None: As kittens become adults, they improve as they learn to compensate for their deficits. Many adult cats can thrive despite the disability, although they are prone to choking. It is important not to breed from affected cats. Cats that have severe disease may need to be euthanased.

PubMed References
Spastic syndrome

Contributor
Tom Graham