The weak cat Flashcards
What are the main differentials of a polyneuropathy?
Inflammatory/infectious:
Acute idiopathic polyneuropathies (polyneuritis)
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Chronic relapsing polyneuropathy
Hypertrophic polyneuropathy
FeLV or FIV polyneuropathy (rare)
Toxic: Organophosphates (chronic exposure) Heavy metals Vincristine Pyrethrins/pyrethroids
Anomalous:
Distal axonopathy of Birman cats
Hyperoxaluric neuropathy
Neuropathy associated with hyperchylomicronemia
Neuropathy associated with sphingomyelinase deficiency
Metabolic:
Diabetes mellitus polyneuropathy
Hyperthyroid polyneuropathy
Neoplastic:
Paraneoplastic polyneuropathy
Nutritional:
Tyrosine/phenylalanine deficieny
What are the main differentials of a mono neuropathy?
Vascular - ischaemic neuropathy
Inflammatory/infectious -
Hypertrophic neuritis
Mycobacterial neuritis
Idiopathic brachial plexus neuritis
Traumatic - Brachial plexus injury Pelvic fracture Sacrocaudal fracture/luxation Intramuscular injection Bites or blunt trauma
Neoplastic - Lymphosarcoma Peripheral nerve sheath tumor Sarcoma/ Carcinoma Local extension of soft tissue tumour
What is the pathogenesis of botulism?
associated with ineffective release of ACh from the pre-synaptic membrane. The paresis is caused by the Clostridium botulinum toxin
What are the signs of botulism?
Cats may manifest diffuse neuro muscular signs as soon as a few hours after ingestion. Unlike patients with tick paralysis (see later), cranial nerve deficits(facial nerve paresis, dysphagia) are common in cats with botulism
What are the forms of myasthenia gravis?
focal form, cats may present with esophageal weakness, dysphagia, fatigable palpebral reflexes, and voice changes. The generalized form is associated with diffuse neuromuscular paresis, often typified by exercise intolerance. Postural abnormalities may be seen, including low head and neck carriage, and trembling while standing. In the fulminating form, which carries an extremely guarded prognosis, cats typically are recumbent and may need respiratory support via oxygen supplementation or mechanical ventilation
Outline hypervitaminosis A
develops in cats fed a diet that is high in vitamin A, most commonly raw liver.
Affected cats will appear chronically unwell (showing lethargy, loss of appetite and weight loss), and the head and neck are usually rigidly extended. Radiography will reveal proliferative bony lesions of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae
An important differential diagnosis in such cases is mucopolysaccharidosis
What are the possible signs of thiamine deficiency?
Typically, ataxia, intermittent vertical nystagmus, bilateral absent menace responses, anisocoria and episodes of severe vestibular disturbance are seen. There may also be evidence of cervical ventroflexion, muscle weakness and fixed, dilated pupils. The condition can progress to seizures, coma and death.
