Dysautonomia
Canine dysautonomia is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls many reflexes and other neurologic functions that the animal does not consciously control. It is a debilitating disease present from birth. Recently, the prevalence of dogs diagnosed with dysautonomia in the mid-western United States has increased. High incidence of this disease has been reported in Kansas and Missouri.
SIGNS
Signs often include a loss of pupillary light reflexes, with otherwise noral vision. The eyelid may droop or protrude abnormally, and the position of the eyeball may be abnormal. The affected dog may experience painful or difficult urination, vomiting, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing and lose anal sphincter control. Some animals have decreased tear production and dry mucous membranes. Other signs such as respiratory infections, weight loss and lethargic behavior may develop. Progressive deterioration in gait occurs over time. Individuals with this condition have difficulty performing rapid movements and maintaining their balance while changing direction or turning.
CAUSES
Although the cause of dysautonomia is unknown, results of several studies suggest that dogs with dysautonomia are significantly more likely to live in rural areas and spend > or =50% of their time outdoors. Affected dogs were more likely to have access to pasture land, farm ponds, and cattle, and to have consumed wildlife, at least occasionally. An infectious or neurotoxic agent may cause the dysautonomia, report Randall C. Longshore of the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine and his colleagues in the May-June Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. They doubt that the disease is contagious.
Familial form of the disease has been reported in German shorthaired pointers.
Recent research in human familial dysautonomy suggests that the disease may arise in large part from a lack of fully developed neurons (nerve cells).
TREATMENT
There is no treatment for this condition which is inevitably fatal. This condition is associated with high incidence of sudden death.
This condition requires a strong commitment to long-term caretaking with frequent frustrations on behalf of the pet owner.
Adapted from:
1. Dysautonomia in dogs: 65 cases (1993-2000). Harkin KR, Andrews GA, Nietfeld JC.
2. Incidence of canine dysautonomia in Missouri, USA, between January 1996 and December 2000. Berghaus RD, O'Brien DP, Thorne JG, Buening GM.
3. Risk factors for development of dysautonomia in dogs. Berghaus RD, O'Brien DP, Johnson GC, Thorne JG.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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