|
Idiopathic Inflammatory Diseases |  |
|
Feline nonsuppurative meningoencephalomyelitis
(feline polioencephalomyelitis, staggering disease) is a slowly progressive, inflammatory disease of the CNS in domestic cats. It has been reported in North America, Europe, and Australia. The cause is unknown, but an infectious agent, probably a virus, is strongly suspected. The disease causes neuronal degeneration, axonal loss, and demyelination with mononuclear
inflammation, most severe in the thoracic segments of the spinal cord. The clinical course is marked by progressive paraparesis of 1-2 mo duration, often with focal hyperesthesia, head tremor, and behavioral changes. Antemortem diagnosis is difficult. There is no treatment, and the prognosis is poor. |
|
Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) is an inflammatory disease of the CNS in dogs worldwide. The cause is unknown, although an infectious agent, most likely a virus, is suspected. In the disseminated form, previously called
inflammatory reticulosis, there are perivascular accumulations of mononuclear cells and neutrophils. In the focal form, previously called
neoplastic reticulosis, there are granulomatous lesions containing primarily reticulohistiocytic cells. Adult dogs of any breed can be affected, but female, small-breed dogs, especially Poodles, may be predisposed. Clinical signs are variable and may indicate focal or multifocal brain or spinal cord dysfunction. Cervical pain and tetraparesis are the most common signs of spinal cord involvement. Signs are often acute, but the
focal form of GME can cause neurologic deficits that slowly progress over the course of several months. The CSF usually has increased protein and pleocytosis, with either mononuclear cells or neutrophils predominating. Tentative diagnosis is based on clinical findings and CSF analysis and exclusion of other possible diseases. Dogs often improve temporarily with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids, but the longterm prognosis is poor. |
