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Chronic Constriction of the Sciatic Nerve and Pain Hypersensitivity Testing in Rats
Published on: March 13, 2012
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Sciatic neuropathy in an acromegalic cat without concurrent diabetes mellitus
Andrea Corsini1, Ezio Bianchi1, Antonella Volta1
1Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
JFMS Open Reports
|March 5, 2020
Summary
This study presents a cat with acromegaly, a condition causing enlarged pituitary glands, which led to sciatic neuropathy. This highlights a potential new clinical sign for feline acromegaly.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Acromegaly in cats is often associated with diabetes mellitus.
- Pituitary gland enlargement in cats can lead to various clinical signs.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old cat presented with mobility issues and respiratory stridor.
- Physical and neurological exams revealed plantigrade stance, facial changes, paraparesis, and muscle atrophy.
- Elevated serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) confirmed acromegaly.
Findings:
- Diagnostic imaging showed an enlarged pituitary gland and foraminal stenosis.
- Electrodiagnostic testing identified sciatic nerve neuropathy.
- The cat was successfully managed with gabapentin, remaining euglycemic.
Implications:
- This case suggests sciatic neuropathy can be a presenting sign of feline acromegaly, even without diabetes mellitus.
- It expands the understanding of acromegaly complications in cats.
- Highlights the importance of considering acromegaly in cats with neurological deficits.
