Key-Gaskell Syndrome

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  • Autonomic polyganglioneuropathy in cats
  • Abnormal function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic system.
  • Whole autonomic system involved – affected animals usually die.
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.