A Case Report of Feline Hyperesthesia

Abstract

The hyperesthesia syndrome is an idiopathic disease that affects feline animals that present different clinical signs. Cats may experience rippling of the skin in the lower back, spontaneously or induced by a low touch, unsuccessful attempts at compulsive body licking and tail chase. Many of these signs are accompanied by excessive and unusual vocalization, episodes of uncontrolled jumping and running and hallucinations. In the most serious cases, mutilation of the tail is described. Its diagnosis is based on the exclusion of dermatological, behavioral, orthopedic, and neurological disorders. This case report describes feline specie, with 6-year-old, male, who was initially served with a dry, unproductive cough. During clinical examination, the presence of rippling movements of the skin in the dorsolumbar region was verified, involuntary muscle spasms, decreased flexion in the lower back and compulsive attempt to lick. Blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis and chest x-ray were requested, and serology for Toxoplasma gondii, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Based on clinical behavioral manifestations and the absence of relevant laboratory or imaging changes, the cat was diagnosed as having feline hyperesthesia syndrome.