Motor Neuropathy/Motor Neuron Abiotrophy/Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Motor neuropathies are characterized by degeneration of cell bodies of motor neurons, ventral horn of the spinal cord, or the cranial nerve nuclei. This causes muscle atrophy and effector organ dysfunction resulting in associated clinical signs.
Age of Onset: 5-7 weeks of age
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs may worsen over time and either remain stable for a period of time or continue to worsen
Clinical signs may worsen over time and either remain stable for a period of time or continue to worsen
Clinical Signs:
Posture and Appearance
Inability to hold head up
Pelvic limb extensor rigidity
Movement
Ataxia
Head tremor
Limb tremor after exercise
Tetraparesis to tetraplegia
Proprioception
Delayed postural reactions
Spinal Reflexes
Decreased or absent spinal reflexes
Special Reflexes (e.g. cutaneous trunci)
Depressed gag reflex
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Megaesophagus
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy
Posture and Appearance
Inability to hold head up
Pelvic limb extensor rigidity
Movement
Ataxia
Head tremor
Limb tremor after exercise
Tetraparesis to tetraplegia
Proprioception
Delayed postural reactions
Spinal Reflexes
Decreased or absent spinal reflexes
Special Reflexes (e.g. cutaneous trunci)
Depressed gag reflex
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Megaesophagus
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy
Neuromuscular
Unknown
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