Cerebellar hypoplasia (non-human)
![]() | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
Cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) is a neurological condition in which the cerebellum is smaller than usual or not completely developed.[1] It has been reported in many animal species.[2]
Function and development of the cerebellum
The cerebellum is the brain's main control center for planning, adjusting, and executing movements of the body, the limbs and the eyes. It plays a major role in several forms of motor learning, including balance and posture.[3]
In the past, the evidence for a role for the cerebellum in cognitive functions was rather weak.[4] However, investigations into the cognitive neuroscience of the cerebellum are rapidly advancing, extending far beyond the traditional view. For humans, current theories support that what the cerebellum does to sensorimotor and vestibular control, it also does to cognition, emotion, and autonomic function.[5][6] How it functions in cognition, emotion, or autonomic function in animals is still largely unknown. In 2012, a study in mice provided direct evidence that subtle disruptions in cerebellar architecture can have pronounced effects on behaviors typically associated with autistic-like behavior.[7]
Development of the cerebellum starts in a fetus in utero and, depending on the species, may continue for some period after birth. Postnatal development periods vary by species including: dogs up to 75 days, cats to 84 days, calves up to six months.[8]
Causes
A hereditary link to CH has been established in some animals, including certain breeds of cows[2] and dogs.[9]
There are numerous other potential causes for CH. It is suspected that the most common cause is animal parvoviruses.[10]
In most cases the cause is unknown. However, in dogs and cats it is thought to be most likely related to in utero viral infections, toxins or genetic disorders.[14]
Other possible causes, if they occurred during the development period of the cerebellum and inhibit its growth, include:[15]
- hypoxia
- Malnutrition, either from a lack of adequate critical nutrients or an inability to absorb them
- mycoticinfection
- Protozoal infection (e.g. toxoplasmosis)
- rickettsial infection (most are spread through ticks, mites, fleas, or lice)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Viral infection (e.g. feline infectious peritonitis)[16]
Symptoms
![]() | This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (August 2023) |
Diagnosis
Numerous problems can be mistaken for CH. These include (but are not limited to):
- Ataxia: vestibular or sensory[17]
- feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)[18]
- lysosomal storage diseases[19]
Treatment
Special considerations
In 2004, a study was published that linked ketamine to post-anesthetic cerebellar dysfunction in cats.[20] 11 cats that did not have any indication of cerebellar deficits before surgery developed deficits post-surgery. All of these cats were Persian crossbreeds. Ketamine can cause erratic and spastic, jerky movements and muscle tremors and is slow to be metabolized out of the system.[citation needed] The 2018 American Association of Feline Practitioner's Feline Anesthesia Guidelines[21] lists numerous alternatives. Gas anesthesia offers a number of advantages in many circumstances. In CH cats the rapid recovery is its primary advantage.[citation needed]
Prognosis
If the root cause of the CH impacted other parts of the developing brain and/or body, the overall health and life-span may or may not be impacted. For instance, fetuses infected in utero by FPLV that survive, and kittens less than a few weeks of age that become infected with it, can also have retinal dysplasia, and optic neuropathy.[22]
See also
- Cerebellar hypoplasia – the condition as it occurs in human beings
References
- ^ "Cerebellar Hypoplasia Information Page".
- ^ a b "Congenital and Inherited Cerebellar Disorders - Nervous System". Merck Veterinary Manual. Retrieved 2019-02-20.
- ^ "Neural - Cerebellum Development". Archived from the original on 2015-05-18.
- S2CID 14683993.
- S2CID 51623392.
- PMID 24027500.
- PMID 22763451.
- ISBN 9780721667065.
- ^ "Brain Tissue Undervelopment in Dogs | petMD". www.petmd.com. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
- PMID 21413262, retrieved 2021-05-02
- ISBN 9780721667065.
- ^ "Feline panleukopenia". Archived from the original on 2019-03-02. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
- ^ "Feline Parvovirus (FPV)" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2020-10-28.
- ^ LeCouteur RA (2002). "Cerebellar Diseases of Dogs and Cats". Vin.com. WSAVA 2002 Congress.
- ISSN 2398-2950.
- PMID 15627627.
- ^ Wilson J (7 March 2017). "Ataxia (Wobbly Gait) in Cats - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - Cat World – Cat Health, Cat Care & Cat Advice". Retrieved 2019-03-02.
- ^ "Feline infectious peritonitis". 16 October 2017.
- PMID 11899921.
- PMID 15188828.
- ^ "Anesthesia Guidelines". catvets.com. American Association of Feline Practitioners. Retrieved 2019-03-03.
- ^ "Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat" (4th ed.). Elsevier. Retrieved 2019-03-14.
Further reading
- Schatzberg SJ, Haley NJ, Barr SC, Parrish C, Steingold S, Summers BA, deLahunta A, Kornegay JN, Sharp NJ (2003). "Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of parvoviral DNA from the brains of dogs and cats with cerebellar hypoplasia". Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 17 (4): 538–44. PMID 12892305.
- Sharp NJ, Davis BJ, Guy JS, Cullen JM, Steingold SF, Kornegay JN (July 1999). "Hydranencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia in two kittens attributed to intrauterine parvovirus infection". Journal of Comparative Pathology. 121 (1): 39–53. PMID 10373292.
External links
- Feline vestibular syndrome
- Life with CH Cats
- Cerebellar hypoplasia Archived 2019-03-02 at the Wayback Machine. Kitty Cat Chronicles
- The Handicapped Pets Foundation