Key-Gaskell Syndrome
- Autonomic polyganglioneuropathy in cats
- Abnormal function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic system.
- Whole autonomic system involved – affected animals usually die.
- Similar to grass sickness in horses.
Clinical
- Cats show:
- Megaoesophagus
- Dilated pupils
- Whole gut is involved (very little peristalsis)
- Constipation.
- Generalised autonomic effects:
- Reduced salivation
- Reduced lachrymation
- Bradycardia
- Constipation
- Pupillary dilatation
Pathology
- 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.
- Similar changes in brain stem nuclei of cranial nerves.
Pathogenesis
- Acquired disease - outbreaks occurred in the past, now only occasionally seen but seems to be getting more common again.
- Possibly toxic cause.
- Possibly in dry food or in vaccine?
- Agent not really known, but produces general damage to autonomic nervous system.