Page 830 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

822 PART 10 CAT WITH SIGNS OF NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE

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METABOLIC

● Metabolic encephalopathy* (p 830)
Metabolic encephalopathies secondary to hypoglycemia, hepatic or renal disease may be associated
with signs of cerebrocortical dysfunction including seizures, behavior abnormalities and limb dys-
function. Neurological signs tend to be symmetrical. Other signs of a polysystemic disease such as
vomiting and diarrhea may be present. Hypoglycemia results in a dazed cat with a drunken, wobbly
gait and muscle trembling, which may progress to seizures and coma if severe and untreated.
● Feline ischemic encephalopathy* (p 828)
Clinical signs begin acutely and rapidly evolve. Clinical signs usually include circling, blindness
and seizures.

NEOPLASTIC
● Brain tumor*** (p 824)
Tumors occur most often in older cats. Clinical signs may be acute in onset or slowly progressive.
Seizures, circling, paresis, head tilts and nystagmus are most common.
NUTRITIONAL
● Thiamine deficiency* (p 832)
Decreased thiamine can result in brain stem disease in cats. Clinical signs initially begin with
lethargy, inappetence and reluctance to walk. Later there is vestibular ataxia and episodes of spas-
tic ventroflexion of the neck or opisthotonus, dilated pupils, stupor and coma.
INFLAMMATORY (INFECTIOUS)
● Encephalitis* (p 829)
Clinical signs are often diffuse and may not localize to a single area within the nervous system.
Fever and leukocytosis are inconsistent findings. Systemic signs of disease such as fever, cough-
ing, vomiting and diarrhea may accompany the neurologic signs. Feline infectious peritonitis, tox-
oplasmosis and Cryptococcus are more common causes of encephalitis. The systemic signs are
consistent with the disease process.
TRAUMA
● Head trauma*** (p 823)
Usually associated with an acute onset of clinical signs reflective of an intracranial problem. Signs
present often include alterations in consciousness, paresis and cranial nerve abnormalities. Fresh
blood from lacerations on or around the head, skull fractures, blood in the ear canals, and scleral
hemorrhage may be clues to a previous traumatic incident.
TOXICITY

● Lead toxicity* (p 833)
Rare in cats because of eating behavior, but they may be exposed through aerosolized paint dust
during house renovations. Inappetence and weight loss are early signs. In addition to central nerv-
ous system signs of behavioral abnormalities and alterations in mentation, blindness, vomiting,
diarrhea and hematologic abnormalities may be found.