Laminin alpha2 deficiency-associated muscular dystrophy in a Maine coon cat

J Small Anim Pract. 2003 Dec;44(12):550-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2003.tb00120.x.

Abstract

A European case of laminin alpha2 deficiency-associated muscular dystrophy in a 12-month-old, female Maine coon pedigree cat is reported. The history and eventual clinical presentation of this cat differed from those of two cats reported in the USA. In this case, the myopathy was characterised by progressively worsening weakness, muscle atrophy and joint contracture. Tendon reflexes were diminished, and motor nerve conduction velocities were slowed. Muscle biopsy demonstrated a dystrophic phenotype with endomysial fibrosis. Occasional thinly myelinated nerve fibres were present within a peripheral nerve specimen. Poorly myelinated fibres were also found at the root level on necropsy specimens. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the absence of laminin alpha2. The cat's family history did not indicate genetic transmission of the disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biopsy
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cat Diseases / genetics
  • Cat Diseases / pathology
  • Cats
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Laminin / deficiency*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscular Atrophy / etiology
  • Muscular Atrophy / veterinary
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Animal / complications
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Animal / diagnosis*
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Animal / genetics
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Animal / pathology
  • Pedigree

Substances

  • Laminin
  • laminin alpha 2