Late onset and rapid progression of cerebellar abiotrophy in a domestic shorthaired cat

A 2-year-old male domestic shorthaired cat was seen because of sudden onset of incoordination and tremors that had rapidly worsened over 5 days. Neurologic examination revealed severe cerebellar ataxia, intentional tremors and bilaterally decreased menace response. Blood work evaluation included a complete cell blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, fecal flotation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and retroviral testing. Except for positivity against FIV antibodies, all other results were within the normal range. The patient was euthanized 2 days later because of progression of clinical signs, and a necropsy was performed. Histologically, lesions were limited to the cerebellum and consistent with cerebellar abiotrophy. No secondary diseases that could explain the rapid evolution of clinical signs were found. FIV positivity was considered as being unlikely related to cerebellar degeneration, as virus invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) is mainly limited to the cerebral cortex. This case report is the first to describe late onset and rapid progression cerebellar abiotrophy in a cat.