Dysautonomia in a cat
Canton, D.D.; Sharp, N.J.; Aguirre, G.D.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 192(9): 1293-1296
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 3391854 Document Number: 307581
Autonomic dysfunction was diagnosed in a 2.5-year-old spayed domestic shorthair cat. The cat had an 8-day history of progressive anorexia, signs of depression, constipation, weight loss, and intermittent regurgitation. Physical examination findings were signs of depression, dehydration, cachexia, bradycardia, bilateral nonresponsive mydriasis, prolapse of both nictitating membranes, dry oral and nasal mucous membranes, and urinary bladder atony. Thoracic radiography revealed megaoesophagus. The cat lacked oesophageal motility and had a decreased gastric emptying rate. Providing adequate fluid intake, electrolyte balance, and nutrition is a major problem in the management of dysautonomic cats. Adequate nutritional support was provided for this patient, using total parenteral feeding and, later, enteral nutrition using a nasogastric tube. Results of an ocular pharmacological study indicated that the mydriasis and prolapse of the nictitating membrane were attributable to complete autonomic denervation of the eye. This is the first report of this condition in the USA.