Degenerative myelopathy is a slowly progressive, non-inflammatory, non-painful disease of the spinal cord white matter. The classic form is a dog disease linked to an SOD1 gene mutation. Cats do not have a well-described equivalent, so questions about a "degenerative myelopathy" in a cat are really questions about the other causes of a slow, painless myelopathy.
Key facts
Degenerative myelopathy at a glance- Species and system: the named disease (SOD1 degenerative myelopathy) is canine. In cats, progressive myelopathy has other causes.
- Evidence in cats: scant. Most feline data are case reports and small series, and the sources checked for this guide describe no SOD1 disease in cats.
- Feline causes with evidence: FeLV-associated myelopathy, cobalamin deficiency, inherited storage diseases in young cats.
- Classic presentation: progressive pelvic limb ataxia and weakness; deep pain and spinal reflexes depend on the lesion.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Localising the lesion
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 4 tables, 3 self-test questions and 5 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.