Premium
Laminin α2 deficiency‐associated muscular dystrophy in a Maine coon cat
Author(s) -
Poncelet L.,
Résibois A.,
Engvall E.,
Shelton G. D.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2003.tb00120.x
Subject(s) - medicine , laminin , muscle biopsy , pathology , muscular dystrophy , myopathy , contracture , nerve biopsy , weakness , anatomy , muscle atrophy , biopsy , atrophy , peripheral neuropathy , endocrinology , extracellular matrix , surgery , diabetes mellitus , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
A European case of laminin α2 deficiency‐associated muscular dystrophy in a 12‐month‐old, female Maine coon pedigree cat is reported. The history and eventual clinical presentation of this cat differed from those of two cats reported in the USA. In this case, the myopathy was characterised by progressively worsening weakness, muscle atrophy and joint contracture. Tendon reflexes were diminished, and motor nerve conduction velocities were slowed. Muscle biopsy demonstrated a dystrophic phenotype with endomysial fibrosis. Occasional thinly myelinated nerve fibres were present within a peripheral nerve specimen. Poorly myelinated fibres were also found at the root level on necropsy specimens. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the absence of laminin α2. The cat's family history did not indicate genetic transmission of the disease.