A syndrome resembling feline dysautonomia (Key-Gaskell syndrome) in a dog

Abstract

Dysautonomia, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction, was diagnosed in a 1-year-old dog. Clinical signs of disease included diarrhea, vomiting, prolapse of nictitating membranes, and urinary incontinence. Bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca, xerostomia, and decreased anal sphincter tone were also observed. On the basis of response to atropine, results of intradermal histamine testing and gastric motility studies, and ocular response to parasympathomimetics and sympathomimetics (direct and indirect acting), autonomic nervous system function was determined to be abnormal. Treatment with metoclopramide hydrochloride and bethanechol chloride resulted in improved attitude, appetite, Schirmer tear test response, and decrease in frequency of vomiting within 24 hours. Bladder function and anal tone improved within 3 weeks.