Medical Monday: Cerebellar Hypoplasia

CEREBELLAR HYPOPLASIA

What is it? This is an underdeveloped cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that aids with coordination/balance.

What causes it? There are a variety of reasons why a cat may develop cerebellar hypoplasia. However, the most common is exposure to the panleukopenia virus in utero (while the queen is pregnant).

Symptoms: often seen when they begin to walk/move. Severity varies from very mild to severe. It can be a single kitten or all kittens in the litter affected.

Common signs:

• Head bobbing. Intention tremors in particular. You will notice an action almost like a chicken pecking when trying to do something like start walking, eating, drinking, etc. Sometimes this is simply while walking. Other times when trying to jump, get on furniture, etc
• Wide stance and jerky movements. They often brace themselves by standing with a very wide stance and have larger, jerky movements.

See the video below of Dr. Gooden’s cat, Hades as a kitten.

Diagnosis: most kittens are diagnosed based on clinical signs alone. A MRI would be required for definitive diagnosis. This would confirm an underdeveloped cerebellum

How does this affect the cat’s life? It really depends on the severity of the cerebellar hypoplasia. Most cats live a great long, healthy life. Modifications such as ramps, rugs to improve traction on slippery floors, large litter boxes, and restricting access to steps may be needed. These modifications are typically very simple, inexpensive, and have little impact on the rest of the household.

Dr. Gooden’s cat Hades:

On a very hot day in June of 2021, animal control brought 2 4wk old kittens into a local veterinary clinic. They were extra spicy kittens and earned the names Hades and Hera pretty quickly. Due to the heat index, it was initially unclear if these kittens were experiencing heat stroke or something more. However, as we got them stabilized and were able to watch them, it became very clear that they had cerebellar hypoplasia. Hades joined my household and his sister joined the household of one of the technicians. Four years later, both Hades and Hera are thriving in their homes.

Hades has lived with a wide number of cats and dogs. He is currently in the house with 6 resident dogs, 6 resident cats, and a handful of fosters rotating in and out. He loves going outside in the fenced in yard. He gets onto the furniture and despite my best efforts, he sneaks through barriers to go up and down stairs.

The more excited he is, the worse his tremors and falling are. However, he has adjusted well and will actually stop and slow himself down to gain more control.

See a more in-depth article of CH here.