Megaesophagus secondary to feline dysautonomia (Key-Gaskell Syndrome) in a cat / Megaesôfago secundário a disautonomia felina (Síndrome de Key-Gaskell) em um gato

ABSTRACT

Background: Feline dysautonomia is a rare autonomic neuropathy of unknown cause, that has already been reported in Europe, the United States and Brazil. Cats usually show nonspecific clinical signs that are associated with autonomic dysfunction of the nervous system. The diagnosis is based on the clinical signs and imaging tests, and confirmed by necropsy and histopathological findings. The prognosis is poor and there is no definitive treatment. The aim of this report is to describe a case of feline dysautonomia with emphasis in the clinical, diagnostic imaging and histopathological findings. Feline dysautonomia must always be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of megaesophagus in cats.Case A mixed-breed young male cat was evaluated for anorexia, regurgitation, bilateral nasal discharge and dyspnoea for 24 h. The animal was dehydrated and had pale mucous membranes, abdominal distension and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The neurological examination was normal. Abdominal ultrasound showed a distended bladder and normal intestinal motility. Chest radiography and esophageal contrast study exhibited megaesophagus in the intrathoracic region. Blood work showed mild neutrophilic leukocytosis and the presence of toxic neutrophils. The cat remained hospitalized for supportive care, including fluidtherapy, broad spectrum antibiotics, antiemetic and mucosal protective drugs. [...]