The cause of dysautonomia is unknown. Thus, treatment is symptomatic.
Intravenous (IV) fluids should be given to the cat to prevent dehydration. A feeding tube may help ensure adequate nutrition if megaesophagus is present. If intestinal motility is absent, a feeding tube may be necessary. Artificial tears should be administered if tear production is insufficient. Humidification of the air may help with dry mucous membranes. The bladder should be manually expressed for the cat.
Medications will be given for supporting the organs, and for encouraging bladder contraction and improving intestinal motility. If infections or pneumonia are suspected, antibiotics will be prescribed.
Living and Management
Prognosis for cats with dysautonomia is guarded. Most cats that are afflicted with this disease will not survive, as many die of aspiration pneumonia or need to be euthanized due to poor quality of life. Animals that do survive can take more than a year to fully recover and often have some degree of permanent autonomic dysfunction, which may require that they be given constant care.
Contraction of the smooth muscles
The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance
A ring-shaped muscle that is used to close and open an opening
A medical condition in which the patient has an abnormally fast heartbeat
A bundle of fibers that are used in the process of sending impulses through the body
The colored layer around the pupil
A medical condition in which the body has lost fluid or water in excessive amounts
The amount of pressure applied by the blood on the arteries.
The widening of something
The tube that extends from the mouth to the stomach
autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that contains the nerves that control involuntary movement.
The term for an esophagus that is enlarged abnormally