Disorder - Axonopathy, distal

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Degenerative encephalomyelopathy in Birmans

Alternative Names
Axonopathy, peripheral

Presenting Signs

Kittens with this disease are born apparently normal, and then gradually develop abnormalities in their gait. By eight to ten weeks of age, affected kittens may start to walk strangely, tucking their limbs up high when they walk, and having a tendency to fall. They may use their back legs abnormally, for example walking or standing on their hock joints (the joint below their knee), and turning the bottom part of their limbs outwards. They may also have tremors and paralysis. Apart from this, they appear healthy and behave normally. The disease is eventually fatal, and appears to affect multiple body systems.

Cats at Risk

So far, only three females from a litter of four kittens, and another kitten, from the same parents but of unknown sex, have been identified to have the disease. The other kitten born in the litter of four was male, suggesting that it may be more common in females.

Breeds Affected
Birman


PubMed References
Axonopathy, distal

Contributor
Katherine van Ekert