*Abnormal function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic system.
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*Whole autonomic system involved – affected animals usually die.
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**Similar to [[Intestine Physical Disturbances - Pathology#Equine dysautonomia, or grass sickness|grass sickness]] in horses.
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=====Clinical=====
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*Cats show:
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**Mega-oesophagus
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**Dilated pupils
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**Whole gut is involved (very little peristalsis)
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**Constipation.
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*Generalised autonomic effects:
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**Reduced salivation
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**Reduced lachrymation
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**Bradycardia
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**Constipation
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**Pupillary dilatation
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=====Pathology=====
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*Histologically there is marked reduction in the number of neurones in all autonomic ganglia in the ventral horn of all levels of spinal cord accompanied by proliferation of non-neuronal cells.
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*Similar changes in brain stem nuclei of cranial nerves.
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=====Pathogenesis=====
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*Acquired disease - outbreaks occurred in the past, now only occasionally seen but seems to be getting more common again.
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*Possibly toxic cause.
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*Possibly in dry food or in vaccine?
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*Agent not really known, but produces general damage to autonomic nervous system.