Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Muscle weakness and nerve disease from laminin alpha 2 deficiency
By O'Brien, D P et al.·Published in Journal of the neurological sciences·2001·Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Laminin alpha 2 (merosin)-deficient muscular dystrophy and demyelinating neuropathy in two cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two cats were found to have a serious condition called laminin alpha 2 deficiency, which led to muscle weakness and atrophy. They showed signs of progressive weakness, and one cat developed contractures that left it unable to move, ultimately leading to euthanasia. Muscle tests revealed significant damage and changes in their muscle fibers, and nerve tests indicated issues with nerve function. Unfortunately, both cats had severe symptoms that could not be treated effectively.
People also search for: cat muscle weakness · cat euthanasia due to muscle disease · feline muscular dystrophy symptoms
Abstract
We report laminin alpha 2 (merosin) deficiency associated with muscular dystrophy and demyelinating neuropathy in two cats. The cats developed progressive muscle weakness, and atrophy. Either hypotonia or contractures resulted in recumbency, necessitating euthanasia. Muscle biopsies showed dystrophic changes including marked endomysial fibrosis, myofiber necrosis, variability of fiber size, and perimysial lipid accumulation. Immunohistochemistry showed that laminin alpha 2 chain was absent or reduced, while dystrophin and all the components of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex were present and normal. One cat was examined in detail. Motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) was decreased, and ultrastructurally the peripheral nerves showed Schwann cell degeneration and demyelination. Brain imaging was not performed, but white matter changes were not apparent in the brain at necropsy. The disease in these cats is similar to primary or secondary merosin (laminin alpha 2)-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) in humans and to dystrophia muscularis in mice.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11535231/