Rabies is an acute viral infection of the nervous system that affects mainly carnivores and bats, although it can affect any mammal. It is caused by the rabies virus. Once signs appear, it is fatal. Rabies is found throughout the world, although a few countries are declared rabies-free due to successful elimination standards. Islands that have a strict quarantine program in effect are often rabies-free. In North America and Europe, rabies has been mostly eliminated i
Motion sickness results in nausea, excessive salivation, vomiting, and occasionally other signs. Animals may yawn, whine, show signs of uneasiness or apprehension, or have diarrhea. Motion sickness is usually seen during travel by land, sea, or air, and signs usually disappear when the motion of the vehicle ceases.
The principal cause of motion sickness is a problem in the inner ear, which has connections to the brainstem. Fear of the vehicle may
Inflammation of the meninges, the membranous covering of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) often are seen simultaneously (meningoencephalitis), although either can develop separately. Many inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system also involve the spinal cord (called encephalomyelitis
Paralysis of a leg often results from damage to the peripheral spinal nerves. Paralysis of a front leg is usually associated with injury to the nerve roots in the neck or shoulder, or injury to the musculocutaneous, radial, median, or ulnar nerve in the leg. Paralysis of a hind leg is usually associated with injury to the nerve roots in the lower back or tailbone, or the femoral, sciatic, peroneal, or tibial nerve in the leg.
The animal’s posture
A number of parasites (including worms and insects) are associated with central nervous system disease. Diagnosis requires eliminating other possible causes of illness, such as rabies, and identifying the specific parasite responsible.
Flukes
Two species of Paragonimus lung flukes can accidentally migrate to the nervous system and produce cysts in
Facial paralysis in cats may result from injuries caused by rough handling or other trauma, such as automobile accidents or ear infection. Paralysis on one side of the face is common when the facial nerve is damaged. Facial paralysis on both sides of the face can be more difficult to recognize, but affected animals often drool and have a dull facial expression. In total facial paralysis, the animal cannot move its eyelids, ears, lips, or nostrils. In partial paralysi
Feline dysautonomia (also known as Key-Gaskell syndrome) is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls many reflexes and other involuntary neurologic functions. All breeds and age groups are susceptible, although the disease may be more common in younger cats. Feline dysautonomia was first reported in 1982 and initially became widespread in the UK; the incidence declined considerably but recently seems to have r
Diseases of the spinal column and cord include congenital defects (discussed earlier in this chapter), degenerative diseases, inflammatory and infectious diseases, tumors, nutritional diseases, injury and trauma, toxic disorders, and vascular diseases.
Degenerative Diseases
Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis is a disorder of the vertebrae in the lower back that
Disorders of the peripheral nerves include degenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, cancers, toxic disorders, disorders caused by injury, and blood vessel diseases.
Degenerative Disorders
Idiopathic facial paralysis is a common disorder that results in weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles in cats. Domestic longhaired cats are at increased r
Some congenital defects (defects present at birth), are inherited from the parents, while others are caused by environmental factors in the womb, such as nutritional deficiencies or some viral infections. For many, the cause is unknown.
Kittens are born with a nervous system that is not fully developed, and birth defects may not become apparent until they begin to walk. In some cases, evidence of an inherited disorder may not be seen until the ca