Feline spongiform encephalopathy

Feline spongiform encephalopathy is a disease that affects the brains of felines. It is caused by proteins called prions.^[1]

Disease

Feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE) is a prion disease thought to be related or identical to Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).^[2][3]This disease is known to affect domestic and captive feline species.^[4] Lezmi S. et al. (2003), suggested that this infectious agent might be spread by both haematogenous and nervous pathways. Like BSE, this disease can take several years to develop. It is probable, but not proven, that the affected animals contract the disease by eating contaminated bovine meat.^[5]

Clinical signs

Ataxia was observed to last for about 8 weeks in the affected animals. The ultimate result is death of the infected animals.^[2]

Epidemiology

This disease was first reported in domestic cats within the United Kingdom in 1990.^[6][4] Since 1990, cases have been reported in other countries and other feline species in captivity have been reported to have contracted this disease.^[4][7]

Diagnosis

This disease can only be confirmed at the post-mortem, which includes identification of bilaterally symmetrical vacuolation of the neuropil and vacuolation in neurones. Lesions are likely to be found in basal ganglia, cerebral cortex and thalamus of the brain.

Treatment

This is a terminal condition and there is currently no specific treatment for the disease.^[2]

See also

• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy

References