The nervous system is composed of the brain, the spinal cord and all the nerves and branches which connect with the tissues and organs of the body. The brain is like the "command center" where the animal reasons, perceptions of the outside world are interpreted and activities are coordinated. The spinal cord is like the main phone line where the functions from the brain are carried to more distant areas in the body, and all the peripheral nerves, with numerous branches from these two organs, act as the final pathway between the nervous command centers and the tissues.

The brain and spinal cord make up what is known as the Central Nervous System. All other nerves make up the Peripheral Nervous System. Another common subdivision given to the nervous system is that of the Voluntary and Autonomic Nervous Systems. Some areas of the nervous system are concerned with conscious, voluntary activities such as walking or meowing, while other areas handle all those functions we and our cats never think about, like the production of urine or the digestion of dinner.

Nervous tissue, like all other tissues in the body, is subject to insult and damage, but unfortunately, severe damage to the nervous system often cannot be repaired with permanent dysfunction resulting. In other cases, damage to surrounding tissues may impair neurologic function, but when healed or repaired, no long-lasting damage is apparent.

With the exception of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries, diseases of the nervous system are uncommon, comprising probably only 1% of all disease problems encountered by veterinarians. Most general practice veterinarians can diagnose the signs of neurologic disease, but many lack the special equipment and training needed to establish a thorough diagnosis. Fortunately, most larger cities have veterinary neurologic specialists who have the capabilities to diagnose these less commonly seen conditions.

A seizure is defined as a period of abnormal electrical activity within the brain, with the seizure actually being the symptom of this dysfunction, not an actual disease. While most people think of a seizure as the cat falling over and flailing about wildly, in actuality, there is great variation in the presentation a seizure and/or its severity. The term Epilepsy is used to define recurrent seizures regardless of their cause, but the term Idiopathic Epilepsy defines recurrent seizures of unknown origin.

Causes of seizures can include feline infectious peritonitis, feline polioencephalomyelitis, pseudorabies, rabies, toxoplasmosis, encephalitis, hydrocephalus, systemic fungal disease, trauma of the brain, low blood sugar, liver disease, kidney disease, thiamin deficiency, tumors and poisons among other causes. As previously mentioned, the cause may not ever be determined.

The clinical signs of a seizure disorder include an Aura or PreIctal phase where the cat may sense the seizure is about to happen and become restless, hide, seek comfort from its owner, or cry out. Ictus is the term for the actual seizure. While most owners will report that the seizure seemed to last a long time, in actuality most seizures last less than 2 minutes. Most cats will have some variable degree of abnormal consciousness and loss of normal muscle tone including involuntary muscle movement, salivation, loss of bowel or bladder control, altered sensation and often altered behavior. A Post-Ictus phase will be the period of recovery lasting 30 minutes to an hour, where the cat slowly regains normal strength and mental status. Some cats may appear blind and weak during this phase.

Another seizure classification that is important to understand is that of Cluster Seizures, which occurs when two or more seizures occur within a 24 hour period; Status Epilepticus seizures continue for 30 minutes or more without stopping. These would generally be the only situations where the life of the patient may be in jeopardy. In most cases, seizures may be infrequent and cause little harm to the cat. Your veterinarian should properly investigate all seizures. If the cause is secondary to some other condition, resolution of that disease will generally prevent further seizures.

When the patient is having seizures and the cause is undetermined or otherwise unknown, then it can be said that the patient is Epileptic and the treatment is to control the abnormal brain activity. In most cases when seizures are mild, short, and infrequent, it may be in the cat's best interest not to treat as there may be more complications from daily medication than from a few occasional minutes of altered consciousness.

Two other variations of seizure disorders are commonly recognized and classified as Sleep Disorders. Narcolepsy is excessive sleepiness during waking hours and may be very difficult to diagnose (especially in cats!) without other symptoms. Cataplexy is a disorder where quickly and briefly the muscles become paralyzed and normal reflexes are lost. Cats may be awake when this occurs. Most commonly attacks happen after the animal has been very active or highly stimulated. Diagnosis is difficult and oftentimes complicated; several other diseases may produce similar signs. These conditions, however, are rarely life threatening and only occasionally encountered.

In diagnosing seizure disorders, historical information including accurate descriptions of what occurs with each episode is very important. A complete physical and neurological exam followed by blood counts and serum chemical analysis is usually performed first. X-rays, CAT scans (where available), serology, spinal fluid taps and analysis, and electroencephalograms can all also be used to pinpoint the nature and cause of the seizures.

As previously stated, if an initiating cause or other disease is identified, that is treated first if possible. In cases of recurrent seizures of unknown origin, also known as idiopathic epilepsy, it is important to understand that the ultimate goal of treatment will not be to prevent another seizure but to decrease the number of seizures as much as possible, to minimize the severity of any seizures, and to increase the interval between any seizures with minimal side effects. Most veterinarians will be slow to start any therapy when few seizures have been observed, when the episodes are far apart and when the seizures are quite mild.

Drugs like phenobarbital, primodone, potassium bromide, diazepam (Valium) and phentoin are all employed, with phenobarbital being the drug most commonly used and the most effective. Cats with sleep disorders are treated with imipramine, methyphenidate (Riatlin) or dextroamphetamine. Sometimes combinations of medications are needed to effectively control the problem. As metabolism of these drugs can vary and change over time, the dose of medication and the mixtures used may also change over time.

It will be important for your veterinarian to monitor blood levels of medication to insure proper dosing, and other blood testing is needed to rule out the presence of liver, kidney or other organ dysfunctions. It is uncommon for patients to stop taking medication after it is begun, so do not stop giving the prescription unless the doctor feels that this is in the best interest of the cat.

By definition, this condition is caused by protrusion (bulging) or extrusion (rupture) of disc material from the intervertebral discs against spinal nerves and/or the spinal cord. The condition occurs secondary to degeneration of the disc, most likely as a response to abnormal or excess forces (traumatic episodes, even slips and falls) on the back. Jumping up and down off chairs and the like, climbing stairs and hard rough-and-tumble play are all activities that over time are thought to accelerate disc degeneration.

This is an uncommon problem in cats and more often occurs secondary to a relatively severe trauma. It is this author's opinion that in many milder cases of back pain, disc protrusion is not present and that malalignments of the spine can cause similar clinical signs without actually being a "disc disease".

Clinical signs include pain that may come and go, pain when being touched or lifted and spontaneously occurring pain episodes. The posture of the cat may be altered depending on what area of the back is affected, and the cat may resist certain movements or be reluctant to perform everyday activities such as jumping onto a chair or ascending the stairs. Some cats may be in so much pain as to unexpectedly bite, even before being touched.

If the spinal cord has been seriously injured, the cat may appear weak, stagger, or even become paralyzed, with leg, bowel and bladder functions being lost. Some cats may become paralyzed and even loose all pain sensation, thus indicating far worse damage to the spinal cord. Any signs of unexplained pain or paralytic type symptoms should be investigated as quickly as possible. Diagnosis is based on historical information, clinical signs, X-rays, and myelography, which involves injecting dye into the spinal cord then taking X-rays. 

After careful evaluation, treatment will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Cats that become acutely paralyzed or deteriorate over a short period of time will need more dramatic treatment than those who are mildly painful.

Many cats do well with injections of cortisone or other agents. Cortisone type drugs are often employed to relieve pain and neurologic swelling. Muscle relaxants such as diazepam help greatly to relieve muscle spasm. Strict rest and confinement is highly recommended to prevent further damage and allow healing to occur. Many cats benefit from physical therapy and spinal manipulation has been used in many cases with good results. Massage and heat and cold therapy can be of benefit.

Cats that become paralyzed present a dilemma as to what therapy to use. Many of these cats need surgery to relieve compression on the spinal cord. Some, however, will not be cured 100% with surgery, while others may recover without surgery. The obvious problem, even with the best diagnostics, is that we cannot with perfect accuracy predict what patient will do best with which therapy. Cats that need surgery but do not get it will generally remain paralyzed for life. In short, surgery should be considered in all patients with recurrent problems, severe pain or with paralysis.

Surgery for disc disease, depending on what area of the spinal column is affected, usually amounts to removing a section of one or more vertebrae to allow pressure to be removed from the spinal cord. This allows the surgeon to remove disc material where appropriate. As mentioned, recovery will vary with the degree of permanent damage to the spinal cord that has occurred. Manipulation and physical therapy after surgery is very important to speed rehabilitation.

This very rare condition causes spinal cord compression secondary to instability between the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis). Occurring in cats with abnormal development of the occipital-atlas-axis joints, this condition will usually be congenital, but cases secondary to trauma do occur. Congenital cases will generally be seen in cats under one year of age, while traumatic cases can occur at any age.

Clinical signs include severe neck pain with the neck being held straight and rigid in most cases. Some variable degree of staggering and paralysis is usually also noted. Most cats seem weak in all four legs, perhaps worse in the hindlegs. Clinical signs may be confused with that of intervertebral disc disease. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and X-rays taken under anesthesia. On some occasions, a myelogram may be needed to illustrate the cord compression.

Without question, surgery is the only option to stabilize the excessively mobile vertebrae and stop further cord damage. Some cats may also require removal of a section of these vertebrae to further decompress the area. This surgery can be risky and should be performed by a specialist with experience in doing the procedure. Some type of external braces and wraps may also be needed, with the patient being kept heavily confined for several months post surgery.

This condition is also characterized by compression of the spinal cord, although only towards the back or tail end of the cat, with a resulting loss of hindleg function and possibly bowel and bladder control. The condition is very rare in cats, and is caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal at the point where the spine joins the pelvis (lumbosacral joint). There may be no apparent reason for this narrowing, or subluxation of the lumbosacral joint, trauma or congenital defects may all cause this condition.

Most cats are older when they start to show symptoms, and they will exhibit pain in the hindend, especially when rising or when being touched in that part of the back. Signs include lameness and pain in the hindlegs and a tingling sensation may cause some cats to chew and mutilate their tails. The tail may also loose sensation and/or function and loss of bowel and bladder control is not uncommon. Diagnosis is based on these clinical signs, X-rays, physical examination and in some cases myelography. ((Lumbosacral Spondylopathy))

Cats with mild to moderate pain and little or no paralysis can be treated with rest and strict confinement for a week or two, with cortisone-type drugs being used for pain. Cats that improve may still need treatment on and off when symptoms reappear. Animals with progressive symptoms, paralysis and/or loss of bowel and bladder control should have surgery.

Surgery is similar to that of other spinal compression; removal of a portion of the vertebra over the sight of cord compression to relieve that increased pressure. Usually a surgical specialist will be required for such a procedure, and most cats do well if operated on long before the signs become too severe. Some cats, however, may take months to completely recover.

Common in Manx or other cats without tails, this condition is an abnormality of development of the sacrum and vertebrae of the tail. This can also be associated with abnormal spinal cord development and abnormal openings in the spinal cord. Severely affected kittens usually die before birth or shortly thereafter.

Clinical signs usually begin at 4-6 weeks of age and can include an obvious indentation of the skin over the sacrum, other obvious vertebral defects, an unusual hopping gait, staggering, partial paralysis, constipation, urinary incontinence and other neurologic defects. Diagnosis is based on history, breed, clinical signs, X-rays and in some cases myelography.

Cats with small defects or spinal openings may be treated with surgery. Cats with severe neurologic symptoms will generally not improve with any treatment. Helping the cats pass stool and urinate appropriately will be very important.

Discospondylosis is a non-inflammatory condition affecting mid to low back areas of the cat. If areas of the spine become unstable or malarticulated (not moving/functioning properly) the body will try to stabilize the areas by building calcified "bridges" between the areas of instability. Unfortunately, this will ultimately serve to limit spinal mobility and function.

The condition may be caused by a congenital weakness of the spine, traumatic episodes including multiple small traumas over time such as a cat that jumps or rough-and-tumbles repeatedly. Often there is damage or stretching to ligaments which help hold spinal continuity which thusly leads to the mentioned instability. Clinical signs may include low back pain, stiffness, trouble rising and walking and other deficits, especially if some degree of intervertebral disc disease is also present. The signs of this condition rarely appear until the cat is older; they are usually insidious in their presentation and slowly progressive. Some cats may have evidence of this condition on X-rays without any clinical signs whatsoever. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, physical examination and X-rays. ((Spondylosis Deformans))

Unfortunately, by the time of diagnosis, the damage and progression of the disease may be moderately advanced and irreversible. Weight loss in obese cats will be very important and cortisone can be used for pain relief. Some pets may benefit from the use of chondroregenerative products such as Adequan, SynoviCre, Cosequin and Cartiflex; the absolute benefit of any of these is undetermined. It is unlikely to cure these cats, but many cats will do quite well with the treatments outlined herein-used in combination. Some cats may receive benefit from chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and general physical therapy.

Diskospondylitis is an infection of the intervertebral disks and related vertebrae (osteomyelitis). Most are caused by bacteria but systemic fungal disease can also affect the spine. Infections in other areas, often fight wounds, spread locally or through the blood and involve this area. The disease occurs more often in male cats of young age. Clinical signs include neck or back pain, fever, altered gait, lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss, staggering and some variable degree of paralysis. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, X-rays, blood culture, complete blood counts and in some cases a spinal fluid analysis (CSF Tap). Symptoms are often similar to other spinal cord diseases.

In cats with minimal neurologic deficits, antibiotic therapy may prove quite adequate and in all cases should be continued for 4-6 weeks. In all cases if possible, antibiotic selection should be based on blood cultures. In cases with neurologic deficits, spinal surgery to decompress affected areas of the spinal cord may be needed, plus surgical cleaning of damaged areas in the vertebral bones. X-rays and cultures can be used to follow the healing process and determine when a cure has been obtained.

This is a slowly progressive deterioration of nerve function beginning at the tail end of the cat and moving towards the head. Only one case has ever been seen in the cat. Clinical signs usually begin between 6-11 years of age. Slowly, the cat will stagger and become partially paralyzed in the rear legs, which again, becomes worse with time. Urinary incontinence occurs later in the disease. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, physical exam, neurologic examination and X-rays.

There currently is no known successful treatment for this disease. Cortisone and other painkillers may help but do not alter the progression of the condition. Spinal manipulation and acupuncture could be tried but no scientific studies support these treatments.

Occasionally, it is discovered on X-rays or physical examination that some cats have abnormal vertebrae. In most cases these are incidental findings neither doing the cat harm nor causing any pain. In other cases, signs similar to those of intervertebral disc disease can occur due to spinal cord compression, and treatment should be accordingly. Common abnormalities include: ((A Spinal Defect))

HEMIVERTEBRA: wedge-shaped vertebra.

SPINA BIFIDA: an absence of the top arch or a cleft along the vertebral midline through which the spinal cord may or may not protrude. Occurs most often in Manx cats near the end of the spinal cord.

Inside the brain and spinal cord, there is a system of passageways and ducts that distribute fluid throughout the nervous system. (Cerebral Spinal Fluid) Hydrocephalus denotes an excess accumulation of fluid within the brain and almost always occurs as a congenital defect of young cats most often the Siamese. As fluid accumulates inside the brain, normal brain tissue actually becomes compressed against the inside of the skull. ((Hydrocephalus))

Clinical signs include a depressed mental state, weakness, depression or excitability, hyperactive reflexes, and blindness. Diagnosis is based on a typical history in a susceptible breed, physical and neurological exam and X-rays. In most cats, the condition progresses and the pet will deteriorate and die from the pressure within the brain.

Some cats may receive short-term relief from the administration of cortisone. The only true and lasting treatment, however, would be to have a shunt (artificial tube passage way) installed to allow fluid to drain. This has not been tried in cats to date. Some cats develop seizures and these too must be managed with the appropriate medications.

Cerebella hypoplasia results when the cerebellum, the part of the brain that coordinates movements, becomes damaged or destroyed while a kitten is still in the uterus. This results when pregnant female becomes infected with the panleukopenia virus. In many ways these cats are similar to person with cerebral palsy, that being they seem to have normal mental/emotional function but otherwise lack full control of their actions.

Clinical signs start at the time a kitten begins to move about on it's own. These include a staggering gait, tremors of the head and body and over extension of the limbs when the cat walks. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, history and excluding other disease conditions. There is no treatment for the condition but most cats can live a normal life and be wonderful pets. They can, however, be a bit messy in the litter pan!

Encephalitis is inflammation of actual brain tissue, often caused by some infectious organism. (bacteria, fungi, viral) Meningitis denotes inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain (and spinal cord). These type infections are uncommon but most often associated with diseases that affect multiple body systems such as feline immunodeficiency virus, feline infectious peritonitis, feline heartworm disease, polioencephalomyelitis, pseudorabies, rabies, systemic fungal diseases, bacterial infections of various types and toxoplasmosis.

The clinical signs of brain disruption are considered to be multifocal. This means that depending on which area(s) of the brain (and possibly spinal cord) are affected and how severely will determine what signs manifest outwardly. This also makes describing what symptoms a cat owner would see quite difficult, as they will be different in every case.

In general terms, clinical signs may include seizures, altered consciousness, loss of vision, partial or complete paralysis, head tilt, altered reflexes, coma, staggering, twisting of the body and neck pain are all possible. Fever and disease symptoms relating to other body systems are also probable, such as abdominal swelling associated with FIP. Many times these symptoms get worse day by day.

Diagnosis is difficult, and based on history, physical and neurological signs, complete blood counts and serum chemistries, serological tests for specific diseases, CSF fluid analysis, X-rays, and blood or CSF cultures may all be needed to pinpoint the cause and direct treatment. Many cases of suspected meningitis/encephalitis would be best treated by a veterinary neurologist who specializes in these difficult conditions.

As in any case, if it is possible to identify the cause of the infection and destroy it, the best result may be had. Most bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, fungal infections with antifungal medications, but viral infections have no specific treatments yet. Fluid therapy to combat dehydration, antiseizure medication as needed and furosemide or mannitol to combat brain swelling are all commonly employed.

Once damaged, neurologic tissue is rarely repaired so permanent alterations to mental state, functional impairments or seizure disorders can be after effects. Most patients will need long term treatment to even begin to see a recovery, so commitment and patience are essential. Physical rehabilitative therapy should not be overlooked, nor should good nursing care and TLC for these patients.

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes around the spinal cord. Myelitis is inflammation of the solid matter of the spinal cord, and Meningiomyelitis is inflammation of both areas combined. Feline infectious peritonitis, feline leukemia, polioencephalomyelitis, pseudorabies, systemic fungal diseases, bacterial infections of various types and toxoplasmosis have all been implicated in these diseases.

Many times, infections get to the nervous system after first starting out in some other area and traveling in the blood to this site.

Pain over the back or skin is quite a common sign, with most cats being stiff, have trouble moving, fever and a few cats may stagger or be paralyzed to some degree. Other signs may come about as the brain also becomes involved. Seizures too may be present. Most cats get worse over a few days time. Diagnosis is based on history, physical and neurological examination, blood counts and serum chemistries, CSF fluid analysis and cultures, and X-rays. Diagnosis is difficult, with the help of a veterinary specialist being needed, and the symptoms initially appear similar to several other more common neuromuscular diseases.

As with infections of the brain, an accurate diagnosis, obtained as expeditiously as possible will be essential to being able to provide proper treatment and limit the extent of permanent irreversible damage. Most bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, fungal infections with antifungal medications, but viral infections have no specific treatments yet. Fluid therapy to combat dehydration, antiseizure medication as needed, furosemide or mannitol to combat swelling are all commonly employed. In most cases cortisone is avoided as it may allow certain infections to get worse.

Most cases are treated in the hospital while on intravenous fluids and general supportive care as most medications are best given intravenously and often in a continuous nature. Most patients will improve and progress based on the bottom-line cause, i.e. if it is a treatable illness, and the extent of damage placed upon the nervous system. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict outcome before treatment is begun, with even severe cases completely improving.

A frustrating problem as cats with this condition will suddenly and without warning will show signs of becoming very unstable, stagger when they walk or are unable to walk at all, have eyes which roll back and forth as the cat lies (tries) still, have a head tilt, and their body may roll about. Cats are usually very disoriented and confused. Often owners will think their pet has had a "stroke", but research has shown this is not the case. The problem seems to lie in a dysfunction of the vestibular mechanism, that part of the inner ear that helps the cat maintain his body and movements in relation to gravity. Cats with this condition are literally motion sick and some will vomit repeatedly. For some reason, this condition most commonly occurs in the summer months.

Most cats are older, thus the term Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome. Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination, with X-rays, blood counts and CSF analysis all being needed to rule out other neurologic conditions, especially inner ear infections.

Some doctors advocate no treatment other than supportive care, as many cases get better in a week or two. Antibiotics for possible inner ear infections, cortisone like drugs and Dramamine for the "motion sickness" are all often used to improve patient comfort. Most cats do well given the time to improve, although some will be left with a permanent head tilt towards the damaged side. The prognosis for most cats, however, is excellent.

Vascular injury to the brain or spinal cord occurs when either blood flow is blocked, known as an Infarction, or when bleeding occurs inside the brain, known as a Hematoma. Most infarcts are caused by heart disease, clotting disorders, thromboembolism, endocarditis, feline ischemic encephalopathy or inflammation in the blood vessels secondary to infectious diseases. Hematomas are most commonly caused by clotting disorders. In general, stroke is quite rare in cats.

Most often, strokes will occur in older animals unless infectious organisms are involved. Usually clinical signs occur very suddenly and often are quite severe, but will stabilize over a few hours or days. The exact clinical signs will once again vary with what area in the brain or spinal cord is damaged, but will usually be asymmetric, meaning one side or area or function(s) will be affected while others on another part will seem normal. Most cats will do better with time, but it is hard to predict what the final outcome will be.

Diagnosis of vascular injuries is based on the history of a sudden neurologic malfunction, physical and neurological examination and ruling out other disease processes with blood tests or X-rays. Neoplasia of the nervous system, idiopathic vestibular syndrome, and trauma to the brain or spine can all mimic this condition. Seizures can also occur secondary to vascular injuries.

As with any condition, if an exact cause can be had and treated, the chances of a good outcome are generally increased. If the cause is unknown, symptomatic and supportive care is best. Many veterinarians will use cortisone type drugs to minimize brain swelling. Antiseizure medications are used to control seizures, and supportive care such as intravenous fluids and feeding are needed until the cats are able to walk and take care of itself. As in people, we are hard pressed to predict the absolute final outcome of most of these cases so we must try to help the patient survive so that healing can occur.

Ischemic encephalopathy is a disease of unknown cause occurring most frequently in cats in the Eastern United States. An infarct (blood clot) will occur in the brain but why this occurs has never been determined. Clinical signs generally come on suddenly and includes blindness, seizures, staggering, trouble walking and various behavioral changes. Most cats stabilize in a few days and the cat will start to improve a little, but most animals will have permanent deficits. These could include seizures, circling in one direction and other behavioral changes. Drugs do not seem to alter the course of the disease and only about 12% of all cats so affected recover enough to make them good pets again.

A neuropathy refers to a physical and/or functional change to nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord. A polyneuropathy simply implies that several or multiple nerves are affected, and often effecting both sides of the body or section of the body equally. Another term used to describe this condition is Peripheral Neuropathy.

There are many different and varying types of polyneuropathy; most of which are rare so we feel detailed description of each would be impractical. Often a veterinary neurologist is needed to make the diagnosis, let alone identify an exact cause or syndrome. Some polyneuropathies will be acute, manifesting very suddenly; others will have a gradual onset and progressive course.

Clinical signs will depend on which nerves are affected and in what region of the body, but may include weakness, paralysis, loss of muscle mass (atrophy), reduced muscle tone, poor reflexes, sensitivity to pain/touch or loss of sensation, self-mutilation, altered gait and loss of recognition as to limb position (proprioception). Many cats walk with their hindfeet flat against the ground and are notably weak.

Diagnosis is based on history, physical and neurologic examination, complete blood and serum chemistries, muscle and/or nerve biopsies, and other special nerve testing. Again, most often a specialist will be needed to make the absolute diagnosis. Specific polyneuropathy occurs secondary to diabetes mellitus, known as Diabetic Polyneuropathy, and also in some cases of feline hyperthyroidism.

It is thought that alteration or degeneration of insulating cells along nerves occurs in cats with Diabetes and clinical signs most often including weakness, loss of muscle mass and increased sensitivity; all most often occurring in the hindlegs and pelvic area. Treatment of this type of neuropathy relates most specifically to treatment of the primary condition.

While supportive and symptomatic care can be given to all cats stricken with these conditions, an accurate diagnosis is essential to long term therapeutic success. As some polyneuropathies are immune-mediated, cortisone and similar agents may be helpful.

As many cats become paralyzed or are quite weak, heavily padded beds or water beds along with frequent attention and physical therapy to keep muscles stretched and joints limber is very important. Some cats will have trouble with bowel and bladder function and need assistance. Proper and adequate nutrition is also essential. Some animals, depending on the condition will recover with time; others may never recover.

Myasthenia Gravis is a rare disorder of the peripheral nerves whereby the transmission of impulses between nerves and the muscles they attach to is blocked. This is an autoimmune disease as it is antibodies that attack and damage this junction between the muscles and nerves. The entire pathology of this disease is quite complex and is beyond the scope of this program; in some cases this illness can be congenital, others occur later in life. Thymoma has been found to occur in some adult cats with MG.

Most cats will generally appear and act normal and then unexpectedly, signs of weakness, even to the point of collapse will occur. Some cats may vomit, have trouble swallowing and drool excessively. Myasthenia gravis can be a cause of megaesophagus in the cat, and due to the difficulty swallowing and regurgitation, aspiration pneumonia can also occur. Diagnosis is based on history, physical and neurological examination, blood counts, serum chemistries, X-rays, and giving the drug edrophonium which produces a radical reversal of symptoms in cats with this disease. (Which unfortunately lasts only a few minutes)

There are drugs including pyridostigmine, cortisone and a few other medications that can be used to control symptoms. Food should be fed in an elevated fashion to assist swallowing. Some cats may have an enlargement of the thymus, a gland inside the chest, and these animals may benefit from removal of this enlarged organ. Cats with this condition can be controlled and most do well a few months after treatment has started. Prognosis is fair to good depending on the severity of the condition.

Feline polio is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disease that damages both the brain and spinal cord of the cat. The cause remains unknown but a virus is highly suspect. Over two to three months the clinical signs of staggering, hindlimb paralysis and head tremor appear and progress. Seizures may also occur. Our understanding of this disease is very limited and no treatment is yet available.

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