by Dawn R. Cole

Created on: February 26, 2010   Last Updated: February 27, 2010

Key-Gaskell Syndrome (feline dysautonomia) occurs when a cat's autonomic nervous system (ANS) malfunctions.  The ANS is responsible for regulating the body's involuntary functions which include; heart rate, breathing, pupil dilation, digestion and intestinal activity, blood pressure, gland secretions, urination, arousal, perspiration, and salivation. 

The exact cause of Key-Gaskell Syndrome is unknown.  It is a rare condition that is not gender, breed, or age specific, though it does tend to be more common in felines under the age of three.  Cats living in the West and Midwest portions of the United States, and the United Kingdom, have higher incidences of the disease.

Symptoms of Key-Gaskell

Digestive (stomach, intestines, and bladder):

* Vomiting and regurgitation (megaesophagus)
* Problems with urination, especially dribbling (polyuria) or straining
* Problems defecating (loss of anal sphincter control); diarrhea or, in some cats, constipation
* Abdominal pain
* Anorexia and weight loss

Ocular:

* Unresponsive, dilated pupils
* Inability to produce tears
* Third eyelid protrusion, elevation, or prolapse
* Sensitivity to light; fear or avoidance of well-lit areas (photophobia)

Respiratory:

* Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)

Muscular and nervous system:

* Weakness in muscles (wasting)
* Loss of reflexes in the spine
* Lethargy and depression

Mucous Membranes:

* Dry nose and mouth

Diagnosing Key-Gaskell requires a complete physical examination and medical history review by a veterinarian.  Various tests will need to be performed, which normally include x-rays of the esophagus, intestinal tract and bladder, an atrophine challenge on the heart, ocular responsiveness and sensitivity, as well as tests on the cat's nervous system. 

Treatments

As previously stated, the cause of Key-Gaskell is unknown. Veterinarians are only able to provide symptomatic treatments.  These treatments usually involve:

* IV fluids (to prevent dehydration and help correct electrolyte imbalances).

* A feeding tube (in order to provide adequate nutrition), especially if megaesophagus or lack of intestinal motility is present. 

* Manual expression of the bladder to help rid the body of urine waste.

* If the mucous membranes are dry, the cat will be placed in a room with a humidifier.

* A routine application of artificial tears will be given, if insufficient tear production is present.

* Medications (like Metoclopromide or Bethanechol) will be administered to reduce vomiting, improve intestinal motility, and aid in waste elimination.

* If an infection or pneumonia is suspected, antibiotics will be given.

The prognosis for cats afflicted with Key-Gaskell is guarded because most cats do not survive.  They either develop aspiration pneumonia and loose quality of life, or are euthanized, to end their suffering.

Some cats do survive, but it takes more than a year for them to recover.  Constant monitoring and medical care will be required since they sustained some degree of permanent damage to their autonomic system.

If your cat is displaying symptoms related to Key-Gaskell Syndrome, get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.  (Acute symptoms usually manifest within three or four days.)

For more information:

* www.vetconnect.com

* www.petmd.com

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