Feline spongiform encephalopathy

Feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE) is a disease that affects the brains of felines. It is caused by proteins called prions. FSE is thought to be related or identical to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This disease is known to affect domestic and captive feline species. 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.
Clinical signs.
Ataxia was observed to last for about 8 weeks in the affected animals. The ultimate result is death of the infected animals.
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.
Epidemiology.
This disease was first reported in domestic cats within the United Kingdom in 1990. Since 1990, cases have been reported in other countries and other feline species in captivity, although most affected felines originated in the UK.