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Gutierrez‐Quintana R, Christen M, Faller KME, Guevar J, Jagannathan V, Leeb T. SCN9A variant in a family of mixed breed dogs with congenital insensitivity to pain. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:230-235. [PMID: 36630088 PMCID: PMC9889608 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP) and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSANs) are a rare group of genetic disorders causing inability to feel pain. Three different associated variants have been identified in dogs: 1 in Border Collies, 1 in mixed breed dogs, and 1 in Spaniels and Pointers. OBJECTIVES To clinically and genetically characterize CIP in a family of mixed breed dogs. ANIMALS Two mixed breed dogs from the same litter were independently presented: 1 for evaluation of painless fractures, and the other for chronic thermal skin injuries. METHODS Physical, neurological, and histopathological evaluations were performed. Whole genome sequencing of 1 affected dog was used to identify homozygous protein-changing variants that were not present in 926 control genomes from diverse dog breeds. RESULTS Physical and neurological examinations showed the absence of superficial and deep pain perception in the entire body. Histopathological evaluations of the brain, spinal cord and sensory ganglia were normal. Whole genome sequencing identified a homozygous missense variant in SCN9A, XM_038584713.1:c.2761C>T or XP_038440641.1:(p.Arg921Cys). Both affected dogs were homozygous for the mutant allele, which was not detected in 926 dogs of different breeds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE We confirmed the diagnosis of CIP in a family of mixed breed dogs and identified a likely pathogenic variant in the SCN9A gene. The clinical signs observed in these dogs mimic those reported in humans with pathogenic SCN9A variants causing CIP. This report is the first of a spontaneous pathogenic SCN9A variant in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Gutierrez‐Quintana
- Small Animal Hospital, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Matthias Christen
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Kiterie M. E. Faller
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesThe University of EdinburghMidlothianUK
| | - Julien Guevar
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
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Gernone F, Uva A, Cavalera MA, Zatelli A. Neurogenic Bladder in Dogs, Cats and Humans: A Comparative Review of Neurological Diseases. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:3233. [PMID: 36496754 PMCID: PMC9739254 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) includes abnormalities in the structure and function of the bladder and the urethra. LUTD caused by neurological disease is defined neurogenic bladder (NB). The integrity of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) is required to explicate normal micturition, maintaining the proper function of bladder and urethra. The location and type of neurological lesions influence the pattern of clinical manifestations, potential treatment, and prognosis. Though, in dogs and cats, spinal cord injury is considered mainly responsible for bladder and/or urethra incompetence, other disorders, congenital or acquired, involving CNS or PNS, could play a role in NB. In veterinary medicine, the information about the epidemiology, prevalence, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of NB are scattered. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, prevalence, clinical findings, diagnosis and prognosis for NB in dogs and cats compared with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriana Gernone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
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Gutierrez-Quintana R, Mellersh C, Wessmann A, Ortega M, Penderis J, Sharpe S, Freeman E, Stevenson L, Burmeister L. Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy in a family of mixed breed dogs associated with a novel RETREG1 variant. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2306-2314. [PMID: 34387380 PMCID: PMC8478055 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSANs) are a group of genetic disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system. Two different associated variants have been identified in dogs: 1 in Border Collies and 1 in Spaniels and Pointers. Objectives Clinically and genetically characterize HSAN in a family of mixed breed dogs. Animals Five 7‐month‐old mixed breed dogs from 2 related litters were presented for evaluation of a 2‐month history of acral mutilation and progressive pelvic limb gait abnormalities. Methods Complete physical, neurological, electrodiagnostic, and histopathological evaluations were performed. Whole genome sequencing of 2 affected dogs (1 from each litter) was used to identify variants that were homozygous or heterozygous in both cases, but wild type in 217 control genomes of 100 breeds. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess protein expression. Results Complete physical, neurological, electrodiagnostic, and histopathological evaluations confirmed a disorder affecting sensory and autonomic nerves. Whole genome sequencing identified a missense variant in the RETREG1 (reticulophagy regulator 1) gene (c.656C > T, p.P219L). All affected dogs were homozygous for the variant, which was not detected in 1193 dogs from different breeds. Immunohistochemistry showed no expression of RETREG1 in the cerebellum of affected dogs. One of the affected dogs lived for 5 years and showed gradual progression of the clinical signs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance We confirmed the diagnosis of HSAN in a family of mixed breed dogs and identified a novel and possibly pathogenic RETREG1 variant. Affected dogs experienced gradual deterioration over several years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Samuel Sharpe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Lynn Stevenson
- Pathology Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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4
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Granger N, Luján Feliu-Pascual A, Spicer C, Ricketts S, Hitti R, Forman O, Hersheson J, Houlden H. Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4B2 demyelinating neuropathy in miniature Schnauzer dogs caused by a novel splicing SBF2 (MTMR13) genetic variant: a new spontaneous clinical model. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7983. [PMID: 31772832 PMCID: PMC6875392 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common neuromuscular disorder in humans affecting 40 out of 100,000 individuals. In 2008, we described the clinical, electrophysiological and pathological findings of a demyelinating motor and sensory neuropathy in Miniature Schnauzer dogs, with a suspected autosomal recessive mode of inheritance based on pedigree analysis. The discovery of additional cases has followed this work and led to a genome-wide association mapping approach to search for the underlying genetic cause of the disease. Methods For genome wide association screening, genomic DNA samples from affected and unaffected dogs were genotyped using the Illumina CanineHD SNP genotyping array. SBF2 and its variant were sequenced using primers and PCRs. RNA was extracted from muscle of an unaffected and an affected dog and RT-PCR performed. Immunohistochemistry for myelin basic protein was performed on peripheral nerve section specimens. Results The genome-wide association study gave an indicative signal on canine chromosome 21. Although the signal was not of genome-wide significance due to the small number of cases, the SBF2 (also known as MTMR13) gene within the region of shared case homozygosity was a strong positional candidate, as 22 genetic variants in the gene have been associated with demyelinating forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in humans. Sequencing of SBF2 in cases revealed a splice donor site genetic variant, resulting in cryptic splicing and predicted early termination of the protein based on RNA sequencing results. Conclusions This study reports the first genetic variant in Miniature Schnauzer dogs responsible for the occurrence of a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy with abnormally folded myelin. This discovery establishes a genotype/phenotype correlation in affected Miniature Schnauzers that can be used for the diagnosis of these dogs. It further supports the dog as a natural model of a human disease; in this instance, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. It opens avenues to search the biological mechanisms responsible for the disease and to test new therapies in a non-rodent large animal model. In particular, recent gene editing methods that led to the restoration of dystrophin expression in a canine model of muscular dystrophy could be applied to other canine models such as this before translation to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Granger
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,Bristol Veterinary Specialists, CVS Referrals, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Charlotte Spicer
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology & National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery & London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sally Ricketts
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, United Kingdom
| | - Rebekkah Hitti
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Forman
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua Hersheson
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology & National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery & London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology & National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery & London, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Amengual-Batle P, Rusbridge C, José-López R, Golini L, Shelton GD, Mellersh CS, Gutierrez-Quintana R. Two mixed breed dogs with sensory neuropathy are homozygous for an inversion disrupting FAM134B previously identified in Border Collies. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:2082-2087. [PMID: 30307654 PMCID: PMC6272042 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Two unrelated 8‐month‐old male mixed breed dogs were presented for evaluation of progressive ataxia, knuckling, and lack of pain perception in the distal limbs. Because of the similarity in age of onset, progression, and clinical findings with previously described sensory neuropathy in Border Collies, the affected dogs were screened for an FAM134B mutation and were determined to be homozygous for the mutation. Despite few phenotypic similarities with other breeds, genetic testing for specific diseases should be considered in mixed breed dogs with compatible clinical signs, especially if ancestry is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Amengual-Batle
- Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Rusbridge
- Fitzpatrick Referrals, Eashing, Surrey, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, School of Veterinary Medicine, Vet School Main Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto José-López
- Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Golini
- Northwest Veterinary Specialists, Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
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6
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An Inversion Disrupting FAM134B Is Associated with Sensory Neuropathy in the Border Collie Dog Breed. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2016; 6:2687-92. [PMID: 27527794 PMCID: PMC5015927 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.027896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sensory neuropathy in the Border Collie is a severe neurological disorder caused by the degeneration of sensory and, to a lesser extent, motor nerve cells with clinical signs starting between 2 and 7 months of age. Using a genome-wide association study approach with three cases and 170 breed matched controls, a suggestive locus for sensory neuropathy was identified that was followed up using a genome sequencing approach. An inversion disrupting the candidate gene FAM134B was identified. Genotyping of additional cases and controls and RNAseq analysis provided strong evidence that the inversion is causal. Evidence of cryptic splicing resulting in novel exon transcription for FAM134B was identified by RNAseq experiments. This investigation demonstrates the identification of a novel sensory neuropathy associated mutation, by mapping using a minimal set of cases and subsequent genome sequencing. Through mutation screening, it should be possible to reduce the frequency of or completely eliminate this debilitating condition from the Border Collie breed population.
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7
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TSUBOI M, UCHIDA K, IDE T, OGAWA M, INAGAKI T, TAMURA S, SAITO M, CHAMBERS JK, NAKAYAMA H. Pathological Features of Polyneuropathy in Three Dogs. J Vet Med Sci 2013; 75:327-35. [DOI: 10.1292/jvms.12-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masaya TSUBOI
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1–1–1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8657, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki UCHIDA
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1–1–1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8657, Japan
| | - Tetsuya IDE
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1–1–1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8657, Japan
| | - Mizue OGAWA
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1–1–1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8657, Japan
| | - Takehiko INAGAKI
- Department of Neurology, Japan Animal Referral Medical Center, 2–5–8 Kuji, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 213–0032, Japan
| | - Shinji TAMURA
- Tamura Animal Clinic, 7–16 Saeki-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 731-5100, Japan
| | - Miyoko SAITO
- Department of Surgery II, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1–17–71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa 229–8501, Japan
| | - James K. CHAMBERS
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1–1–1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8657, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki NAKAYAMA
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1–1–1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8657, Japan
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8
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Acral Mutilation Syndrome in a Miniature Pinscher. J Comp Pathol 2011; 144:235-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2010.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2010] [Revised: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 08/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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9
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Canine inherited motor and sensory neuropathies: an updated classification in 22 breeds and comparison to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Vet J 2010; 188:274-85. [PMID: 20638305 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Canine inherited neuropathies form a group of degenerative diseases affecting motor and/or sensory and autonomic peripheral nerves. There is now a large number of inherited motor and sensory neuropathies (IMSN) reported in the veterinary literature, for which clinical, electrophysiological, histopathological and mode of inheritance data are available. Their resemblance with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in humans is suggested, although direct comparison is difficult due to the small number of cases described in each breed and the lack of genetic knowledge in dogs. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease forms a wide group of hereditary neuropathies for which a genetic mutation is recognised in more than 70% of patients. In dogs, no genetic mutation has so far been identified and the knowledge available for human hereditary neuropathies may be useful to identify genetic mutations in dogs. This review provides an update on data available on inherited neuropathy in Leonberger dogs and three new degenerative neuropathies are briefly described in two Russian Black terriers, two Cocker Spaniels and a Podhale Shepherd dog.
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10
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Henke D, Vandevelde M, Oevermann A. Polyganglioradiculoneuritis in a young cat: clinical and histopathological findings. J Small Anim Pract 2009; 50:246-50. [PMID: 19425174 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00703.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An 18-month-old European shorthair cat was presented with a two week history of progressive decrease in consciousness, ambulatory tetraparesis, moderate ataxia and generalised decreased-to-absent postural reactions. Bilateral facial and nasal hypalgesia, absent menace response and anisocoria were found, and segmental spinal reflexes were normal. Neurological signs progressed to nonambulatory tetraparesis, tremor and spinal hyperalgesia. Histopathological examination revealed a mild-to-moderate lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic infiltration, predominantly in the dorsal spinal roots, cranial nerves and ganglia in association with marked demyelination and proliferation of Schwann cells. Neurons and axons were preserved. Lesions were multi-focal and varied in severity. A predominantly sensory polyganglioradiculoneuritis was diagnosed. This lesion has not been reported previously in cats. Rabies, herpesviruses, feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, Toxoplasma gondii and feline leukaemia virus were excluded as possible aetiologies. Infections by other viruses or an autoimmune disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Henke
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Division of Clinical Neurology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
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11
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Jäderlund KH, Örvind E, Johnsson E, Matiasek K, Hahn C, Malm S, Hedhammar Å. A Neurologic Syndrome in Golden Retrievers Presenting as a Sensory Ataxic Neuropathy. J Vet Intern Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb01953.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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12
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Abstract
A 5-month-old female Border Collie was evaluated because of progressive hind limb ataxia. The predominant clinical findings suggested a sensory neuropathy. Sensory nerve conduction velocity was absent in the tibial, common peroneal, and radial nerves and was decreased in the ulnar nerve; motor nerve conduction velocity was decreased in the tibial, common peroneal, and ulnar nerves. Histologic examination of nerve biopsy specimens revealed considerable nerve fiber depletion; some tissue sections had myelin ovoids, foamy macrophages, and axonal degeneration in remaining fibers. Marked depletion of most myelinated fibers within the peroneal nerve (a mixed sensory and motor nerve) supported the electrodiagnostic findings indicative of sensorimotor neuropathy. Progressive deterioration in motor function occurred over the following 19 months until the dog was euthanatized. A hereditary link was not established, but a littermate was similarly affected. The hereditary characteristic of this disease requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Harkin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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13
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Vermeersch K, Van Ham L, Braund KG, Bhatti S, Tshamala M, Chiers K, Schrauwen E. Sensory neuropathy in two Border collie puppies. J Small Anim Pract 2005; 46:295-9. [PMID: 15971901 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2005.tb00324.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A peripheral sensory neuropathy was diagnosed in two Border collie puppies. Neurological, electrophysiological and histopathological examinations suggested a purely sensory neuropathy with mainly distal involvement. Urinary incontinence was observed in one of the puppies and histological examination of the vagus nerve revealed degenerative changes. An inherited disorder was suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Vermeersch
- Small Animal Department, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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14
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Coates JR, O'Brien DP. Inherited peripheral neuropathies in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2004; 34:1361-401. [PMID: 15474679 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2004.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joan R Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Clydesdale Hall, 379 East Campus Drive, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri at Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Schatzberg
- Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Cornell University, Box 35, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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16
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Dickinson PJ, Anderson PJB, Williams DC, Powell HC, Shelton GD, Morris JG, LeCouteur RA. Assessment of the neurologic effects of dietary deficiencies of phenylalanine and tyrosine in cats. Am J Vet Res 2004; 65:671-80. [PMID: 15141890 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2004.65.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the neurologic effects of reduced intake of phenylalanine and tyrosine in black-haired cats. ANIMALS 53 specific pathogen-free black domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURE Cats were fed purified diets containing various concentrations of phenylalanine and tyrosine for < or = 9 months. Blood samples were obtained every 2 months for evaluation of serum aromatic amino acid concentrations. Cats were monitored for changes in hair color and neurologic or behavioral abnormalities. Three cats with neurologic deficits underwent clinical and electrophysiologic investigation; muscle and nerve biopsy specimens were also obtained from these cats. RESULTS After 6 months, neurologic and behavioral abnormalities including vocalization and abnormal posture and gait were observed in cats that had received diets containing < 16 g of total aromatic amino acid/kg of diet. Electrophysiologic data and results of microscopic examination of muscle and nerve biopsy specimens from 3 cats with neurologic signs were consistent with sensory neuropathy with primary axonal degeneration. Changes in hair color were detected in cats from all groups receiving < 16 g of phenylalanine plus tyrosine/kg of diet. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that chronic dietary restriction of phenylalanine and tyrosine in cats may result in a predominantly sensory neuropathy. In cats, the long-term nutritional requirement for phenylalanine and tyrosine appears to be greater for normal neurologic function than that required in short-term growth experiments. Official present-day recommendations for dietary phenylalanine and tyrosine in cats may be insufficient to support normal long-term neurologic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Abstract
Neuromuscular disease can present even the most astute clinician with a challenging diagnostic dilemma. This article focuses on the neuroanatomy and the historical, physical, and neurologic examination findings observed in many of the neuromuscular disorders affecting dogs and cats. In addition, some common laboratory tests and imaging modalities used in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease, including routine radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are discussed. A brief discussion of sensory nerve disorders is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric N Glass
- Section of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, New Jersey 07701, USA.
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18
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Abstract
The autonomic nervous system can be affected as part of a more diffuse peripheral nerve disease such as inflammatory polyneuropathy or diabetes, or as a primary disease, such as dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in dogs and other species in the Midwest. Affected animals present with absence of parasympathetic and autonomic ganglia and brainstem nuclei degenerate with minimal inflammation. The cause is unknown and treatment symptomatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis P O'Brien
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, a University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.
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Abstract
A wide range of physical disorders in small animals manifest as abnormal behavior. Owners may present physically ill animals exhibiting aggression or other personality changes, self-mutilation or excessive pruritus, hyperactivity, abnormal elimination patterns, or other problems. Pathophysiology should be investigated in cases of sudden or persistent changes in the behavior of an animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Reisner
- Department of Physiology, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca
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