GM(1)-GANGLIOSIDOSIS (TYPE-II) IN 3 CATS

GM1-gangliosidosis, an inherited lysosomal storage disease, was diagnosed in three cats which presented with clinical signs of cerebellar dysfunction, including ataxia, intention tremors, truncal sway, and generalized muscular tremors. Parvovirus-induced cerebellar hypoplasia previously was diagnosed in two of the cats. Biochemical evaluation revealed a marked decrease in beta-galactosidase activity in peripheral blood leukocytes and the brain with accumulation of GM1-ganglioside in brain and liver tissue. Histologic examination revealed foamy to granular vacuoles within parenchymal cells in the central nervous system (CNS), liver, kidney, eye, lung, lymph nodes, pancreas, and spleen. Peripheral blood films showed distinct vacuolation of circulating lymphocytes.