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

GM1-gangliosidosis, an inherited lysosomal storage disease, was diagno sed in three cats which presented with clinical signs of cerebellar dy sfunction, including ataxia, intention tremors, truncal sway, and gene ralized muscular tremors. Parvovirus-induced cerebellar hypoplasia pre viously was diagnosed in two of the cats. Biochemical evaluation revea led a marked decrease in beta-galactosidase activity in peripheral blo od leukocytes and the brain with accumulation of GM1-ganglioside in br ain and liver tissue. Histologic examination revealed foamy to granula r vacuoles within parenchymal cells in the central nervous system (CNS ), liver, kidney, eye, lung, lymph nodes, pancreas, and spleen. Periph eral blood films showed distinct vacuolation of circulating lymphocyte s.