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.

Feline dysautonomia, or Key-Gaskell Syndrome

Histological section of degenerate neuron in feline dysautonomia(Courtesy of Susan Rhind)

• Occurs mostly in the UK and continental Europe.
• Is also of unknown aetiology. Suggested causative factors include:
  • Environmental toxins
  • Infectious agents
  • Botulinum toxins .
• Clinical signs:
  • Anorexia
  • Depression
  • Bradycardia
  • Decreased lacrimation,
  • Altered pupillary dilataion,
  • Megaoesophagus
  • Constipation.
• Degenerative lesions of autonomic nerve ganglia can be seen.
• Also occurs in the oesophagus.