Oesophageal Dysautonomia

Also known as Feline Key-Gaskell Syndrome and Feline Autonomic Polygangliopathy.

Part of a syndrome of generalised autonomic neuropathy. It has been observed throughout Western Europe and The United States.

Signalment

Historically reported most frequently in cats but now also in dogs
Usually seen in younger dogs
No sex predisposition
In a recent study of 65 dogs confirmed as having dysautonomia those raised and housed in rural environments appeared to be at greater risk (56/65 dogs) for dysautonomia than dogs from the city
Labrador Retrievers may have a breed predisposition

Description

Degenerative lesions of the autonomic ganglia, spinal cord intermediate grey columns and sympathetic axons
Aetiology still largely idiopathic

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Those of a generalised autonomic dysfuntion of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Those associated with the oesophagus include:

Regurgitation
Megaoesophagus
Oesophageal hypotmotility

The most frequent clinical signs associated with the syndrome are depression, anorexia, constipation and regurgitation or vomiting. Incontinence (faecal and urinary) has been observed less frequently.

Physical Examination

Findings associated with the GI system include:

Dry mucous membranes
Intestinal distension

Radiography

Plain Radiography

Oesophageal dilatation may be observed.

Contrast Radiography

Oesophageal hypomotility may be evident on barium contrast study.

Histological Findings

Chromatolytic degeneration in autonomic ganglia, spinal cord intermediate grey columns and some sympathetic axons.

Pharmalogical Testing

Topical ocular administration of dilute pilocarpine - miosis implies a postive result. However, not all respond. Response is dependent on damage to the postganglionic parasympathetic neuron causing supersensitivity of the iris muscle
IV or SC administration of atropine (a parasympatholytic) - lack of increase in heart rate implies a positive result
ID administration of histamine - the wheal and flare response may be dampened in those with dysautonomia

Differential Diagnosis

There are few differentials on presentation of the many manifestations of the disease. However, early in the course of disease other causes of megaoesophagus need to be considered.

Treatment

Supportive

Including elevated feeding, gastrostomy tube feedings or total paranteral nutrition.

Parasympathomimetic Drugs

Some dogs may show minor improvement on initiation of for example, bethanechol, metoclopramide.

Prognosis

Guarded to poor. Recovery rates in the cat are reported as 20-40%, however this may take 2-12 months. In the dog recovery rates are lower. Despite recovery many are also left with residual impairment including intermittent regurgitation.

References

Hall J.H, Wimpson J. W. and Williams D.A, (2005), Disorders of the Pharynx and Oesophagus, in BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology, 2nd Edition, British Small Animal Association, Gloucester, pp 142-143
Harkin K.R, Andrews G.A, Nietfeld J.C, (2002), Dysautonomia in dogs: 65 cases (1993–2000) J Am Vet Med Assoc, Mar 1, 220(5): pp. 633-9