Feline dysautonomia (the Key‐Gaskell syndrome): a clinical and pathological study of forty cases

Abstract

ABSTRACT Feline dysautonomia is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, the main features of which are dilated pupils, dry mucous membranes, mega‐oesophagus and constipation. The clinical and pathological features, treatment and follow‐up details of 40 cases seen at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School are described. The pathology was demonstrated to be mainly restricted to the autonomic ganglia and neurons in selected cranial nerve nuclei. Less marked changes were also found in neurons of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. Nine cases recovered but this required up to one year and, in some, mild clinical signs persisted. Viral, toxicological and epidemiological studies were unrewarding and the aetiology is presently unknown. The similarities between this condition, grass sickness of horses and dysautonomia in the dog and man are discussed.