Tremors in cats: 105 cases (2004-2023)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Feline Medicine

Background:

• Neurological tremors are common in cats but their clinical features and causes are not well understood.
• A comprehensive understanding of tremor etiologies is crucial for accurate feline diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical features and underlying diagnoses of tremors in cats.
• To provide clinically useful information for veterinarians diagnosing feline tremors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, single-center study of 105 cats with tremors (2004-2023).
• Inclusion criteria: complete medical records, reported tremors, and a final/presumptive diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Top diagnoses: degenerative encephalopathy (18.1%), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) (16.2%), congenital portosystemic shunt (16.2%), intoxication (15.2%), and polyneuropathy (7.6%).
• Degenerative encephalopathies (cerebellar cortical degeneration, lysosomal storage diseases) often presented with intention head tremors.
• Intention head tremors also seen in FIP and thiamine deficiency; portosystemic shunt tremors varied; permethrin intoxication caused generalized tremors; polyneuropathy linked to generalized/limb tremors.

Conclusions:

• Distinct tremor phenotypes in cats are associated with specific underlying neurological diagnoses.
• Recognizing tremor types can guide veterinarians in diagnosing and managing feline neurological disorders effectively.