Page 828 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

820 PART 10 CAT WITH SIGNS OF NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE

Clinical signs CSF analysis may reveal a mild non-specific
mononuclear pleocytosis (5–10/μl) with normal pro-
Subtle and non-specific changes in behavior includ-
tein concentration. A positive antibody test on a CSF
ing depression, social withdrawal, compulsive roaming
sample not contaminated with blood indicates CNS
and psychotic behavior have been attributed to FIV
infection.
encephalopathy. Signs have mainly been observed in
the advanced stage of infection. Unrelated CNS pathologies and secondary opportunis-
tic infections (e.g. FIP, toxoplasmosis) would likely be
responsible for neurological signs other than behavioral
Diagnosis
changes in FIV-positive cats.
Other systemic signs of FIV infection for example,
weight loss, fewer immunodeficiency-related infections Treatment
of the skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts should
have manifested by the time neurological signs develop. No effective treatment is known.

RECOMMENDED READING
Parent JM, Quesnel AD. Seizures in cats. Vet Clin North Am 1996; 26: 811–825.
Quesnel AD. Seizures. In: Ettinger JE, Feldman EC (eds) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Diseases of
the Dog and Cat, 5th edn. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co., 2000, pp. 148–152.
Quesnel AD, Parent JM. Diagnostic approach and medical treatment of seizure disorders. In: August T (ed)
Consultations in feline internal medicine 3. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co., 1997, pp. 389–402.
Quesnel AD, Parent JM, McDonell W, Percy D, Lumsden JH. Diagnostic evaluation of cats with seizure disorders:
30 cases (1990–1993). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997; 210: 65–71.
Quesnel AD, Parent JM, McDonell W. Clinical management and outcome of cats with seizure disorders: 30 cases
(1991–1993). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997; 210: 72–77.