[Feline spongiform encephalopathy: first clinical case in Switzerland]

Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 2002 Oct;144(10):550-7. doi: 10.1024/0036-7281.144.10.550.
[Article in German]

Abstract

A six-year-old female Birman cat was referred to our clinic because of chronic progressive changes in behavior. Additionally, generalized vestibular ataxia and psychomotor seizures were noticed. A multifocal lesion in the forebrain as well as brainstem was suspected. Ancillary investigations such as complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis and cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed no significant abnormalities. Electroencephalography showed diffuse changes in the cortical activity. Feline spongiform encephalopathy was confirmed by histological brain examination and positive immunohistochemistry for PrPSc. This is the first time that a case of feline spongiform encephalopathy is diagnosed in Switzerland.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cat Diseases / pathology
  • Cats
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electroencephalography / veterinary
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Immunohistochemistry / veterinary
  • Prion Diseases / diagnosis
  • Prion Diseases / pathology
  • Prion Diseases / veterinary*
  • Switzerland