Key-Gaskell Syndrome in Cats

PetMD Editorial

Published Jul. 31, 2009

Feline Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia is characterized by a malfunctioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the system that controls the heart rate, respiration, digestion, urination, salivation, perspiration, eye pupil dilation,blood pressure, intestinal contractions, glandular activity, and physical arousal. The body functions that occur within the ANS are largely performed without conscious thought, with the exception of breathing, which works in coordination with conscious thought. This condition is also referred to as Key-Gaskell syndrome.

This is a rare condition, but when it does occur, it tends to affect cats younger than three years. Otherwise, there is no gender or age that is specifically affected. However, there is some geographical correlation tied to feline dysautonomia, with higher incidences occurring in the West and Midwest, such as California, Indiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma, as well as in the United Kingdom.

Treatment is based on the primary symptoms and the prognosis for recovery is guarded.

Symptoms and Types

Acute symptoms typically develops over three to four days
Dilated unresponsive pupils
Lack of tear production
Fear/avoidance of light (photophobia)
Third-eyelid elevation (protrusion of third eyelid)
Vomiting
Regurgitation
Anorexia and weight loss
Dribbling urine (polyuria)
Straining to urinate
Loss of anal sphincter tone
Diarrhea
Constipation in some cases
Distended, easily expressed bladder
Possible abdominal pain
Dyspnea (difficult breathing)
Dry nose and mucous membranes
Coughing
Nasal discharge
Depression
Loss of spinal reflexes
Muscle wasting
Possible weakness

Causes

The underlying cause is unknown.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your cat. You will need to give a thorough history of your cat's health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. The history you provide may give your veterinarian clues as to which organs are being affected by this condition.

X-rays will show megaesophagus (enlargement of the esophagus), distended intestinal loops with no peristalsis (the normal contraction of the intestinal muscles) and a distended urinary bladder. Loss of nerve control in the iris of the eye will cause it to be hypersensitive to cholinergic drugs, affecting the response time for the iris of the eye to contract. Where a cat unaffected with Key-Gaskell will have a normal response time of 30 minutes, a cat affected with this condition will have an abnormally fast pupil constriction reaction.

An atropine challenge test will be given to test the heart's response – a healthy cat will have a rise in heart activity (tachycardia) in response to the atropine, where a cat affected with Key-Gaskell will have no increase in heart rate.

Histamine injections may be given to test for sympathetic loss of capillary function. If there is loss of capillary function, there will be no visible reactive response in the skin, or a welt but no flare in the skin. These tests will help your veterinarian to make a compete assessment of the autonomic nervous system's (made up of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems) ability to function in a healthy manner.

Treatment

The cause of dysautonomia is unknown. Thus, treatment is symptomatic.

Intravenous (IV) fluids should be given to the cat to prevent dehydration. A feeding tube may help ensure adequate nutrition if megaesophagus is present. If intestinal motility is absent, a feeding tube may be necessary. Artificial tears should be administered if tear production is insufficient. Humidification of the air may help with dry mucous membranes. The bladder should be manually expressed for the cat.

Medications will be given for supporting the organs, and for encouraging bladder contraction and improving intestinal motility. If infections or pneumonia are suspected, antibiotics will be prescribed.

Living and Management

Prognosis for cats with dysautonomia is guarded. Most cats that are afflicted with this disease will not survive, as many die of aspiration pneumonia or need to be euthanized due to poor quality of life. Animals that do survive can take more than a year to fully recover and often have some degree of permanent autonomic dysfunction, which may require that they be given constant care.