1
|
Stee K, Van Poucke M, Lowrie M, Van Ham L, Peelman L, Olby N, Bhatti SF. Phenotypic and genetic aspects of hereditary ataxia in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1306-1322. [PMID: 37341581 PMCID: PMC10365067 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary ataxias are a large group of neurodegenerative diseases that have cerebellar or spinocerebellar dysfunction as core feature, occurring as an isolated sign or as part of a syndrome. Based on neuropathology, this group of diseases has so far been classified into cerebellar cortical degenerations, spinocerebellar degenerations, cerebellar ataxias without substantial neurodegeneration, canine multiple system degeneration, and episodic ataxia. Several new hereditary ataxia syndromes are described, but most of these diseases have similar clinical signs and unspecific diagnostic findings, wherefore achieving a definitive diagnosis in these dogs is challenging. Eighteen new genetic variants associated with these diseases have been discovered in the last decade, allowing clinicians to reach a definitive diagnosis for most of these conditions, and allowing breeding schemes to adapt to prevent breeding of affected puppies. This review summarizes the current knowledge about hereditary ataxias in dogs, and proposes to add a "multifocal degenerations with predominant (spino)cerebellar component" category regrouping canine multiple system degeneration, new hereditary ataxia syndromes that do not fit in 1 of the previous categories, as well as specific neuroaxonal dystrophies and lysosomal storage diseases that cause major (spino)cerebellar dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley Stee
- Small Animal DepartmentFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent UniversityMerelbekeBelgium
| | - Mario Van Poucke
- Department of Veterinary and BiosciencesFaculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent UniversityMerelbekeBelgium
| | | | - Luc Van Ham
- Small Animal DepartmentFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent UniversityMerelbekeBelgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Department of Veterinary and BiosciencesFaculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent UniversityMerelbekeBelgium
| | - Natasha Olby
- Department of Clinical SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sofie F.M. Bhatti
- Small Animal DepartmentFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent UniversityMerelbekeBelgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
St Jean SC, Jortner BS, Doan RN, Dindot SV, Johnson GS, Bullock G, Whitley DB, Levine JM, Hancock SK, Ambrus A, Porter BF. Pathologic characterization of canine multiple system degeneration in the Ibizan hound. Vet Pathol 2021; 59:132-137. [PMID: 34490804 DOI: 10.1177/03009858211043088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Canine multiple system degeneration (CMSD) is a progressive hereditary neurodegenerative disorder commonly characterized by neuronal degeneration and loss in the cerebellum, olivary nuclei, substantia nigra, and caudate nuclei. In this article, we describe 3 cases of CMSD in Ibizan hounds. All patients exhibited marked cerebellar ataxia and had cerebellar atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging. At necropsy, all cases showed varying degrees of cerebellar atrophy, and 2 cases had gross cavitation of the caudate nuclei. Histologic findings included severe degeneration and loss of all layers of the cerebellum and neuronal loss and degeneration within the olivary nuclei, substantia nigra, and caudate nuclei. Pedigree analysis indicated an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, but the causative gene in this breed is yet to be identified. CMSD resembles human multiple system atrophy and warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan N Doan
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sandra K Hancock
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Andy Ambrus
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cerda-Gonzalez S, Packer RA, Garosi L, Lowrie M, Mandigers PJJ, O'Brien DP, Volk HA. International veterinary canine dyskinesia task force ECVN consensus statement: Terminology and classification. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1218-1230. [PMID: 33769611 PMCID: PMC8162615 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Movement disorders are a heterogeneous group of clinical syndromes in humans and animals characterized by involuntary movements without changes in consciousness. Canine movement disorders broadly include tremors, peripheral nerve hyperexcitability disorders, paroxysmal dyskinesia, and dystonia. Of these, canine paroxysmal dyskinesias remain one of the more difficult to identify and characterize in dogs. Canine paroxysmal dyskinesias include an array of movement disorders in which there is a recurrent episode of abnormal, involuntary, movement. In this consensus statement, we recommend standard terminology for describing the various movement disorders with an emphasis on paroxysmal dyskinesia, as well as a preliminary classification and clinical approach to reporting cases. In the clinical approach to movement disorders, we recommend categorizing movements into hyperkinetic vs hypokinetic, paroxysmal vs persistent, exercise‐induced vs not related to exercise, using a detailed description of movements using the recommended terminology presented here, differentiating movement disorders vs other differential diagnoses, and then finally, determining whether the paroxysmal dyskinesia is due to either inherited or acquired etiologies. This consensus statement represents a starting point for consistent reporting of clinical descriptions and terminology associated with canine movement disorders, with additional focus on paroxysmal dyskinesia. With consistent reporting and identification of additional genetic mutations responsible for these disorders, our understanding of the phenotype, genotype, and pathophysiology will continue to develop and inform further modification of these recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca A Packer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Mark Lowrie
- Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J J Mandigers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis P O'Brien
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Holger A Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ambrosini YM, Borcherding D, Kanthasamy A, Kim HJ, Willette AA, Jergens A, Allenspach K, Mochel JP. The Gut-Brain Axis in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Relevance of the Canine Model: A Review. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:130. [PMID: 31275138 PMCID: PMC6591269 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying appropriate animal models is critical in developing translatable in vitro and in vivo systems for therapeutic drug development and investigating disease pathophysiology. These animal models should have direct biological and translational relevance to the underlying disease they are supposed to mimic. Aging dogs not only naturally develop a cognitive decline in many aspects including learning and memory deficits, but they also exhibit human-like individual variability in the aging process. Neurodegenerative processes that can be observed in both human and canine brains include the progressive accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) found as diffuse plaques in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), including the gyrus proreus (i.e., medial orbital PFC), as well as the hippocampus and the cerebral vasculature. Tau pathology, a marker of neurodegeneration and dementia progression, was also found in canine hippocampal synapses. Various epidemiological data show that human patients with neurodegenerative diseases have concurrent intestinal lesions, and histopathological changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract occurs decades before neurodegenerative changes. Gut microbiome alterations have also been reported in many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's diseases, as well as inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Interestingly, the dog gut microbiome more closely resembles human gut microbiome in composition and functional overlap compared to rodent models. This article reviews the physiology of the gut-brain axis (GBA) and its involvement with neurodegenerative diseases in humans. Additionally, we outline the advantages and weaknesses of current in vitro and in vivo models and discuss future research directions investigating major human neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and Parkinson's diseases using dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoko M. Ambrosini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Dana Borcherding
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Anumantha Kanthasamy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Auriel A. Willette
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Albert Jergens
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Karin Allenspach
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jonathan P. Mochel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mari L, Matiasek K, Jenkins CA, De Stefani A, Ricketts SL, Forman O, De Risio L. Hereditary ataxia in four related Norwegian Buhunds. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2019; 253:774-780. [PMID: 30179085 DOI: 10.2460/javma.253.6.774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION Two 12-week-old Norwegian Buhunds from a litter of 5 were evaluated because of slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia and fine head tremors. Two other females from the same pedigree had been previously evaluated for similar signs. CLINICAL FINDINGS Findings of general physical examination, CBC, and serum biochemical analysis were unremarkable for all affected puppies. Brain MRI and CSF analysis, including PCR assays for detection of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and canine distemper virus, were performed for 3 dogs, yielding unremarkable results. Urinary organic acid screening, enzyme analysis of fibroblasts cultured from skin biopsy specimens, and brainstem auditory-evoked response testing were performed for 2 puppies, and results were also unremarkable. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The affected puppies were euthanized at the breeder's request, and their brains and spinal cords were submitted for histologic examination. Histopathologic findings included a markedly reduced expression of calbindin D28K and inositol triphosphate receptor 1 by Purkinje cells, with only mild signs of neuronal degeneration. Results of pedigree analysis suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Candidate-gene analysis via mRNA sequencing for 2 of the affected puppies revealed no genetic variants that could be causally associated with the observed abnormalities. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings for the dogs of this report suggested the existence of a hereditary form of ataxia in Norwegian Buhunds with histologic characteristics suggestive of Purkinje cell dysfunction. The presence of hereditary ataxia in this breed must be considered both in clinical settings and for breeding strategies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Barker EN, Dawson LJ, Rose JH, Van Meervenne S, Frykman O, Rohdin C, Leijon A, Soerensen KE, Järnegren J, Johnson GC, O'Brien DP, Granger N. Degenerative Encephalopathy in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Presenting with a Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 30:1681-1689. [PMID: 27717189 PMCID: PMC5032881 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by loss of neurons and are commonly associated with a genetic mutation. Hypothesis/Objectives To characterize the clinical and histopathological features of a novel degenerative neurological disease affecting the brain of young adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (NSDTRs). Animals Nine, young adult, related NSDTRs were evaluated for neurological dysfunction and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. Methods Case series review. Results Clinical signs of neurological dysfunction began between 2 months and 5 years of age and were progressive in nature. They were characterized by episodes of marked movements during sleep, increased anxiety, noise phobia, and gait abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging documented symmetrical, progressively increasing, T2‐weighted image intensity, predominantly within the caudate nuclei, consistent with necrosis secondary to gray matter degeneration. Abnormalities were not detected on clinicopathological analysis of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, infectious disease screening or urine metabolite screening in most cases. Postmortem examination of brain tissue identified symmetrical malacia of the caudate nuclei and axonal dystrophy within the brainstem and spinal cord. Genealogical analysis supports an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Conclusions and Clinical Importance A degenerative encephalopathy was identified in young adult NSDTRs consistent with a hereditary disease. The prognosis is guarded due to the progressive nature of the disease, which is minimally responsive to empirical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E N Barker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK.
| | - L J Dawson
- IDEXX Laboratories Ltd Wetherby, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - J H Rose
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | | | | | - C Rohdin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden.,Anicura, Albano Small Animal Hospital, Danderyd, Sweden
| | - A Leijon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section of Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K E Soerensen
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Järnegren
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - G C Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - D P O'Brien
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - N Granger
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sato J, Sasaki S, Yamada N, Tsuchitani M. Hereditary cerebellar degenerative disease (cerebellar cortical abiotrophy) in rabbits. Vet Pathol 2011; 49:621-8. [PMID: 21646443 DOI: 10.1177/0300985811402840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A pair of rabbits gave birth to a set of littermates (F1) with symptoms of early-onset ataxia. Microscopic examination revealed cerebellar degenerative disease in 5 of 6 littermates. Light microscopy was used to compare the thickness of each cerebellar layer in affected animals in contrast to a normal control. Affected animals showed narrowing of the molecular layer of the vermis, reduced density of Purkinje cell dendrites and irregular thickness in their branchlets, and reduced density of granular cells and scattered pyknotic cells in the granular layer. Pyknotic cells were apoptotic granular cells, confirmed by positive staining using the TUNEL method. Electron microscopy confirmed the thinning of the molecular layer seen by light microscopy and also showed a reduced number of parallel fibers, which indicate granular cells axons, and a reduced number of synaptic junctions between Purkinje and granular cells. Purkinje cells had electron-dense, irregularly shaped cytoplasm with irregularly shaped nuclei, and some of these cells had a central chromatolysis-like region. These findings support a diagnosis of cerebellar cortical abiotrophy, a hereditary condition that causes nerve function impairment leading to early-onset progressive degeneration of the cerebellar cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Sato
- Mitsubishi Chemical Medience Co, Ltd, 14 Sunayama, Kamisu-shi, Ibaraki-ken 314-0255, Japan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Henke D, Böttcher P, Doherr M, Oechtering G, Flegel T. Computer-Assisted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Brain Morphometry in American Staffordshire Terriers with Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration. J Vet Intern Med 2008; 22:969-75. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0138.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
9
|
Abstract
Voluntary movement in animals is modulated by a number of subcortical systems. One of these resides in the basal nuclei and their associated projections and utilizes dopamine as a neurotransmitter. Apart from regulating movement, the dopaminergic axis is also involved in the control of goal-oriented behavior, cognition, and mood. Disorders of this system result in common human neurologic disorders such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, as well contributing to a host of behavioral conditions, such as schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and addiction. Many individual mouse models of human dopaminergic dysfunction have been described in varying degrees of detail. However, when evaluating this region of the brain, the veterinary pathologist is confronted by a paucity of information summarizing the comparative aspects of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the central dopaminergic system. In this review, a systematic approach to anatomic phenotyping of the central dopaminergic system in the mouse is described and illustrated using tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. Differences between murine neuroanatomy and comparable regions of the nonhuman primate brain are highlighted. Although the mouse is the focus of this review, conditions in domestic animals characterized by lesions within the basal nuclei and its projections are also briefly described. Murine behavioral and motor tests that accompany abnormalities of specific anatomic regions of the dopaminergic axis are summarized. Finally, we review mouse models of Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, as well as those genetically altered mice that elucidate aspects of dopamine metabolism and receptor function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C J Zeiss
- Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 375 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06437, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sisó S, Hanzlícek D, Fluehmann G, Kathmann I, Tomek A, Papa V, Vandevelde M. Neurodegenerative diseases in domestic animals: A comparative review. Vet J 2006; 171:20-38. [PMID: 16427580 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2004] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by selective damage to specific neurons in the nervous system. Interest in such diseases in humans has resulted in considerable progress in the molecular understanding of these disorders in recent decades. Numerous neurodegenerative diseases have also been described in domestic animals but relatively little molecular work has been reported. In the present review, we have classified neurodegenerative disease according to neuroanatomical criteria. We have established two large groups, based on whether the neuronal cell body or its axon was primarily affected. Conditions such as motor neuron diseases, cerebellar degenerations and neuroaxonal dystrophies are discussed in terms of their clinical and neuropathological features. In the most studied disorders, we also present what is known about underlying pathomechanisms, and compare them with their human counterparts. The purpose of this review is to re-kindle interest in this group of diseases and to encourage veterinary researchers to investigate molecular mechanisms by taking advantage of current diagnostic tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Sisó
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, NeuroCentre, University of Berne, Bremgartenstrasse 109 a, 3001 Berne, Switzerland. silva.siso@itn
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cantile C, Salvadori C, Modenato M, Arispici M, Fatzer R. Cerebellar granuloprival degeneration in an Italian hound. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. A, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY, CLINICAL MEDICINE 2002; 49:523-5. [PMID: 12549831 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0442.2002.00495.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A severe atrophy of the cerebellum was observed in a 7-month-old male Italian hound with a history of progressive ataxia and head tremor from the age of 3 months. On clinical examination, signs included severe hypermetric gait, head tremors and proprioception deficits in all limbs. At necropsy, a pronounced symmetrical reduction in size of the cerebellum was the only gross lesion observed. Histological examination of the cerebellum revealed marked thinning of the granular and molecular layers with almost complete loss of granule cells. Purkinje cells had normal morphology and distribution. These findings differ from those of previous reports of cerebellar cortical abiotrophy in dogs, which were mainly characterized by prominent Purkinje cell degeneration and loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Cantile
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, Pisa, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Two domestic shorthair littermate kittens had signs of cerebellar dysfunction, first observed between seven and eight weeks of age; a third littermate was unaffected. The signs were progressive and the more severely affected kitten was euthanased after six days. A postmortem examination revealed no gross lesions but the kitten had cerebellar cortical degeneration with extensive loss of Purkinje cells. The second kitten was euthanased at 10 months of age with similar, though more pronounced, changes. One of the two kittens in the next litter of the same parents had similar clinical signs and histopathological findings. The lesions in the cerebellum are interpreted as probably due to genetically determined abiotrophy. In addition, the two older kittens had medullary neuronal changes interpreted as probable neuraxonal dystrophy, and focal vacuolation of the neuropil in the medulla and cervical spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Willoughby
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, University of Liverpool
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Barone G, Foureman P, deLahunta A. Adult-onset cerebellar cortical abiotrophy and retinal degeneration in a domestic shorthair cat. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2002; 38:51-4. [PMID: 11804315 DOI: 10.5326/0380051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A 4-year-old, neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented for evaluation of ataxia and visual deficits. Neurological examination revealed severe cerebellar ataxia with symmetrical hypermetria and spasticity, a coarse whole-body tremor, positional vertical nystagmus, and frequent loss of balance. A menace response was absent bilaterally, and the pupils were widely dilated in room light. A funduscopic examination revealed markedly attenuated to absent retinal vessels and pronounced tapetal hyperreflectivity, findings consistent with end-stage retinal degeneration. Blood work evaluation included retroviral testing, a complete blood count, serum biochemistry analysis, taurine levels, and toxoplasma immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M titers. All were within reference ranges. The patient was euthanized, and a necropsy was performed. Microscopically, lesions of the nervous system were confined to the cerebellum and were consistent with cerebellar cortical abiotrophy. Selective photoreceptor degeneration was seen on histopathological examination of the retina with a reduction in the number of rods and cones. The combination of clinical findings and histopathological lesions seen here has not been previously reported in the cat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Barone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Palmer AC, Callanan JJ, Guerin LA, Sheahan BJ, Stronach N, Franklin RJ. Progressive encephalomyelopathy and cerebellar degeneration in 10 captive-bred cheetahs. Vet Rec 2001; 149:49-54. [PMID: 11488342 DOI: 10.1136/vr.149.2.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Progressive ataxia, with head tremor, developed in 10 captive-born cheetah cubs under six months of age. The condition was usually preceded by coryza and an ocular discharge. Initially the ataxia and weakness affected the hindquarters, then the forelegs, and head tremor developed later. Significant pathological changes were confined to the central nervous system. There was widespread Wallerian degeneration in the funiculi of the spinal cord (except those in the dorsal columns), in the medulla and in the cerebellum. In the cerebellum there was degeneration of Purkinje cells and of the molecular and granular cell layers. There was chromatolysis in the Purkinje cells, the ventral horn cells of the spinal cord and in the neurons of the lateral vestibular nucleus. The olivary nucleus was necrotic. There were foci of inflammatory cells in the molecular layer of the cerebellum and in the medulla. The cause of the disease remains unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C Palmer
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fox J, Duncan R, Friday P, Klein B, Scarratt W. Cerebello-olivary and lateral (accessory) cuneate degeneration in a juvenile American Miniature horse. Vet Pathol 2000; 37:271-4. [PMID: 10810993 DOI: 10.1354/vp.37-3-271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A 12-month-old American Miniature horse colt was presented to the Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a 7-month history of progressive ataxia. Physical examination revealed a head intention tremor, base-wide stance, and ataxia. Necropsy findings were confined to the brain. There were bilateral areas of liquefactive necrosis and cavitation corresponding to the dorsal accessory olivary and lateral (accessory) cuneate nuclei. Cerebellar folia of the dorsal vermis were thin. Microscopically, the cerebellar cortex was characterized by patchy areas of Purkinje cell loss with associated variable thinning of the molecular and granule cell layers and astrogliosis. Dorsal accessory olivary and lateral cuneate nuclei were cavitated and had mild glial response around their periphery. Additionally, a focus of necrosis and neuropil vacuolization was found in the right putamen. These findings indicate the presence of a neurodegenerative disorder centered, but not confined to, the cerebellum and its connections in this American Miniature horse colt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Fox
- Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg 24061-0442, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Tatalick LM, Marks SL, Baszler TV. Cerebellar abiotrophy characterized by granular cell loss in a Brittany. Vet Pathol 1993; 30:385-8. [PMID: 8212464 DOI: 10.1177/030098589303000411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L M Tatalick
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Affiliation(s)
- J B Thomas
- School of Veterinary Studies, Murdoch University, Western Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Six dogs with cerebellar dysplasia, in which the cerebellar vermis was hypoplastic, are described. Clinical signs in these dogs were noted around 2 weeks of age and included ataxia, dysmetria, and intention tremors. A variable portion of the caudal cerebellar vermis was absent in each dog; portions of the cerebellar hemispheres and flocculus also were absent in some of them. Neurons in certain brain stem nuclei that project to the cerebellum were either chromatolytic or vacuolated. Cerebellar vermian hypoplasia of dogs is analogous to the Dandy-Walker syndrome of human beings.
Collapse
|