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Feline cerebrovascular disease: clinical and histopathologic findings in 16 cats
Ulrike Michal Altay1, Geoff C Skerritt, Monika Hilbe
1Department of Small Animals, Clinic of Small Animal Surgery/Neurology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. ulrikemichal@yahoo.com
Insights
This study details cerebrovascular disease in 16 cats, finding ischemic infarctions, hemorrhagic infarctions, and intracranial hemorrhage. Underlying pathologies significantly influenced clinical signs and outcomes in feline cerebrovascular accidents.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in cats is not well-characterized.
- Histological confirmation of nontraumatic, nonneoplastic CVD is crucial for understanding feline neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and pathological findings of cerebrovascular disease in a cohort of 16 cats.
- To review the arterial supply of the feline brain and hypothesize its role in CVD incidence.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of 16 feline brains to confirm CVD.
- Review of feline brain arterial anatomy.
- Analysis of clinical signs, age, and concurrent diseases in affected cats.
Main Results:
- Seven ischemic infarctions, five hemorrhagic infarctions, and four intracranial hemorrhages were diagnosed.
- Median ages were 8 years for infarctions and 9.5 years for hemorrhages.
- Clinical signs correlated with lesion localization and underlying pathologies like liver disease, nephritis, pulmonary disease, and hyperthyroidism.
Conclusions:
- Feline cerebrovascular disease presents with diverse clinical signs influenced by lesion type, location, and comorbidities.
- The unique arterial supply of the feline brain may predispose to cerebrovascular accidents.
- Concurrent systemic diseases play a significant role in the manifestation and outcome of CVD in cats.
Abstract:
Sixteen cats with cerebrovascular disease confirmed via histology to be of nontraumatic and nonneoplastic origins are described. In addition, the anatomy of the arterial supply of the cat's brain is reviewed. It is suggested that this unique arterial design may influence the incidence of cerebrovascular accidents in this species. Of the 16 cats reviewed, seven cats had ischemic infarctions, five had hemorrhagic infarctions, and four were diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhage. The median age was 8 yr and 9.5 yr in cats with infarctions and intracranial hemorrhages, respectively. Clinical signs were severe, acute, consistent with the localization of the cerebrovascular lesion, and influenced by underlying pathology. Four cats with infarction showed lateralized neurologic signs. Four cats with infarctions were diagnosed with pulmonary disease antemortem and three cats had hyperthyroidism. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and computed tomography scans were available in two cats. None of the infarctions were grossly visible. All cats with hemorrhagic infarcts had severe liver pathology and nephritis was identified in four cats. Hypoxia was a feature in four cats and one cat suffered cardiac failure. In conclusion, the clinical picture is influenced by the type of cerebrovascular disease, the localization of the intracranial lesions, and any underlying pathology.
