| Diagnostic
Case 5 - Answer The Case of the Polka Dot Kitty |
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Fig 1. There are multiple eosinophilic spherical structures in the retina involving all layers. These structures are present in a few ganglion cells, but most appear to be floating "free" in the retinal tissue. In fact, most of the structures are in cell processes of the internal plexiform layer. |
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Fig 2. The spherical structures are brightly PAS positive |
| Comment: LaFora bodies are polyglucosan accumulations that have been described in the central nervous system of humans and animals. LaFora body retinopathy has been described in humans, cats and dogs. The accumulation in the retina of animals is usually not associated with clinical signs and is thought to be a senile change. Lafora disease in humans is an autosomal recessive disorder which affects carbohydrate metabolism and results in a progressive, ultimately fatal neurological condition called familial progressive myoclonus epilepsy. It is characterized histologically by intraneuronal cytoplasmic polyglucosan inclusions (Lafora bodies) in the retina and brain. The cat in this case had no central nervous system signs and has not developed any since the removal of her eye. An article in press by Dr. Greg Hall (see references) describes polyglucosan bodies in the brain of a seizuring cat. | |
| Selected
References: Hall DG; WL Steffens; L Lassiter. Lafora Bodies Associated With Neurologic Signs in a Cat. Vet Pathol. 35, May 1998 |
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| Diagnosis: Lafora Body Retinopathy | |
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