Polioencephalomyelitis in Cats
Polioencephalomyelitis is a non-suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis(non-draining inflammation of the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord). This condition causes nerve degeneration, and demyelination (degeneration of the sheath surrounding the nerve) of the neurons in the thoracic spinal cord (upper back). Lesions can also be seen in the cervical spinal cord (neck), lumbar spinal cord (lower back), brainstem (base of the brain), and the cerebrum (the largest part of the brain).
Symptoms and Types
Ataxia: chronic, progressive incoordination of the hind limbs, or of all four limbs
Paraparesis: weakness in the lower body
Seizures
Head tremors
Causes
Polioencephalomyelitis is a viral infection, most likely spread through mucus from the nose and mouth. It is suspected to be caused by the Borna virus, an infection of the brain tissue that affects several mammalian populations, but this is unproven. The cause of this disease has a long documented history, but its origin is generally unknown.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your cat, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis, and an electrolyte panel to rule out or confirm other diseases. The doctor may also take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for laboratory cellular analysis.
You will need to provide a thorough history of your pet’s health leading up to the onset of symptoms.
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suppurative
Something in which pus is discharged or formed
thoracic
Pertaining to the chest
urinalysis
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
prognosis
The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance
nerve
A bundle of fibers that are used in the process of sending impulses through the body
lumbar
The part of the back between the pelvis and the thorax
mucus
A type of slime that is made up of certain salts, cells, or leukocytes
demyelination
When myelin is lost or destroyed
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