NEURONAL CEROID-LIPOFUSCINOSIS IN A CAT

Neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis was diagnosed in a young adult domestic short-haired cat euthanatized because of severe progressive neurologi c disease. Clinical signs included blindness, seizures, and decreased mentation. An autofluorescent pigment, identified as ceroid-lipofuscin by electron microscopy and staining properties, was found within neur ons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. A diffuse reactive astrocytosis accompanied by multifocal microgliosis was visible in all areas of the brain. Retinal atrophy with intraneuronal lipopigment ac cumulation was also identified. Contrary to the human neuronal ceroid- lipofuscinoses, pigment deposition appeared to be restricted to neural tissues.