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Dysautonomia in dogs: 65 cases (1993-2000)
Kenneth R Harkin1, Gordon A Andrews, Jerome C Nietfeld
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5701, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|November 7, 2002
Summary
Canine dysautonomia, a disease affecting the autonomic nervous system, is endemic in Kansas. Clinical signs like vomiting and physical findings such as absent anal tone, combined with pharmacologic testing, aid in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
- Canine Pathology
Background:
- Canine dysautonomia affects the autonomic nervous system, impacting various bodily functions.
- Understanding its clinical presentation and diagnostic markers is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize signalment, clinical findings, diagnostic test results, and pathologic features of canine dysautonomia.
- To identify key indicators for diagnosing this condition in dogs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 68 canine case records with a dysautonomia diagnosis.
- Inclusion criteria involved histologic confirmation or consistent clinical and pharmacologic testing results.
- Analysis of signalment, history, clinical signs, physical examination findings, and diagnostic tests.
Main Results:
- 65 dogs met the criteria for dysautonomia, with a higher prevalence in dogs from rural environments and peak incidence in February and March.
- Common clinical signs included vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, depression, weight loss, and dysuria.
- Key physical findings were decreased anal tone, absent pupillary light reflexes, and elevated nictitating membrane. Pharmacologic tests were consistent with dysautonomia, though not uniformly sensitive. Histologic lesions were observed in autonomic ganglia, brainstem, and spinal cord.
Conclusions:
- Canine dysautonomia is endemic in Kansas.
- A high index of suspicion can be achieved by integrating clinical signs, physical examination findings, and pharmacologic test results.
- Histopathologic examination of autonomic ganglia, brainstem, and spinal cord confirms the diagnosis.