Page 612 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

Dysautonomia 276.e3

• A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy • Animals that survive may have permanent SUGGESTED READING
(PEG) tube may be of value, but with dysfunction of one or more organs. Harkin KR, et al: Dysautonomia in dogs: 65 cases
VetBooks.ir tion (TPN) may be necessary (pp. 1109 and PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS 2001. Diseases and Disorders
complete GI atony, total parenteral nutri-
(1993-2000). J Am Vet Med Assoc 220:633-639,
1148).
Drug Interactions Comments ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED
READINGS
In endemic areas, early dysautonomia needs to
Animals with dysautonomia develop supersensi- be considered as a differential diagnosis when Berghaus RD, et al: Risk factors for development
tivity to direct-acting cholinergic or adrenergic animals present with dysfunction of a single of dysautonomia in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc
drugs, as evidenced by the ocular pilocarpine organ. 218:1285-1292, 2001.
test. Any of these drugs should be used cau- Harkin KR, et al: Echocardiographic evaluation of
tiously, beginning at about 10% of the normally Technician Tips dogs with dysautonomia. J Am Vet Med Assoc
used dose and escalating the dose as needed. Supportive care is the cornerstone of patients’ 235:1431-1436, 2009.
Adrenergic drugs can precipitate ventricular treatment, particularly when the disease is Kidder AC, et al: Feline dysautonomia in the
arrhythmias. advanced. Technicians involved in their care Midwestern US: a retrospective study of 9 cases.
should be proficient in ophthalmic treatments, J Feline Med Surg 10:130-136, 2008.
Possible Complications elevated feedings for megaesophagus, and O’Brien DP, et al: Dysautonomia and autonomic
Aspiration pneumonia can occur at any time management of urinary retention. neuropathies. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
32:251-265, 2002.
in animals that are vomiting or regurgitating.
Client Education AUTHOR: Dennis P. O’Brien, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME Because the cause is unknown, it is difficult EDITOR: Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS, DACVIM
to provide clients with firm recommendations
• Prognosis is grave, with about 70% mortality for preventing future occurrences. Dogs in
rate. the same household do not appear to be at
• Animals die of aspiration pneumonia or are greater risk.
euthanized because of poor quality of life.

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