Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with severe muscle inflammation causing limb weakness
By Ginman, Adam A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2009·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Severe polymyositis and neuritis in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old domestic shorthair cat was brought to the vet after experiencing a week of limping that worsened to weakness in all four legs. The vet found muscle wasting and discomfort in the cat's limbs, and tests showed signs of muscle and nerve inflammation. After a thorough examination, the cat was diagnosed with immune-mediated polymyositis and neuritis, which is a serious condition affecting the muscles and nerves. With physical therapy and long-term corticosteroid treatment, the cat made a full recovery and regained normal movement.
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Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for a 1-week history of shifting limb lameness that progressed to tetraparesis. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination revealed generalized muscle atrophy and signs of discomfort when the muscles of the appendicular skeleton were palpated. Neurologic examination revealed diminished myotatic and withdrawal reflexes in all 4 limbs. Results of a CBC indicated mild neutrophilia, and serum biochemical analysis revealed mild hyperalbuminemia and high creatine kinase activity. The cat was anesthetized, and an electromyogram (EMG), CSF sample, and nerve and muscle biopsy specimens were obtained. The EMG revealed positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials, CSF analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation, and histologic examination of muscle and nerve specimens revealed severe myositis and neuritis. Immune-mediated polymyositis and neuritis were suspected. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: With physical therapy and long-term corticosteroid drug treatment, the cat recovered complete motor nerve function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The severity and rapid progression of clinical signs, combined with the EMG abnormalities and histologic findings, could have led to inappropriate euthanasia for this cat. Veterinarians should be aware that immune-mediated polymyositis and neuritis in cats can have an excellent prognosis with appropriate, long-term treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19601738/