We are gathering information on paroxysmal dyskinesia (movement disorders) in Sphynx cats for phenotypic characterisation. This will help to improve recognition and management of this interesting condition.
Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PD) are characterised by involuntary sustained muscle contraction producing abnormal movements and postures (Lowrie and Garosi 2017). Features of PD used to distinguish it from epileptic seizure activity include maintained consciousness, lack of autonomic signs and absence of inter-ictal or post-ictal abnormalities.
PD’s have been described and further characterised in a number of dog breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Border Terriers and Scottish Terriers. This has helped to identify underlying genetic (Forman et al 2012; O’Brien et al 2015), drug-related (Kube et al 2006) or dietary factors (Lowrie et al 2015) and improved recognition of PD’s amongst clinicians. There is currently less known regarding PD’s in cats. We are however seeing an increasing number of Sphynx cats with abnormal episodes consistent with PD.
If colleagues have a case of suspected paroxysmal dyskinesia in a Sphynx cat, or would like further information, they should contact Matthew Green at the following e-mail address: [email protected]
Matthew Green, Mark Lowrie – Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, 5 Delven Lane, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2LJ
Laurent Garosi – Vet Oracle Teleradiology
Claire Bessant – International Cat Care, Place Farm, Tisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6LW
