Gangliosidosis

What is gangliosidosis? Gangliosidosis is an extremely rare, inherited cellular brain disease. It is one disease in a larger group called lysosomal storage diseases. This neurological disease is progressive. Gangliosides are glycolipids (glycos is sugar and lipid is fat), located in the cell membranes. They are essential for normal brain cell function.

How does my cat get gangliosidosis?  Cats develop two types of gangliosidosis: GM1 or GM2.  As an inherited condtion, kittens are born with gangliosidosis.  In GM2, the signs first start appearing by age two months and in GM1, the signs tend to not surface until age 3 months and older.  Both types cause fatal progressive brain disease, but due to different types of lysosomal enzymes.

How do I know if my cat has gangliosidosis? You may notice that your young kitten is uncoordinated, paralyzed or experiences seizures. However, the diagnosis relies on comprehensive tests performed by a veterinarian to rule out other possible disorders. Urine tests, a skin biopsy and other procedures will be performed. A genetic test is needed to properly differentiate the form of gangliosidosis, GM1 or GM2.

What can I do about gangliosidosis?  Gangliosidosis is a progressive, fatal disease. Treatment is more centered on supportive care through fluids and electrolyte therapy and nutrition.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my cat from getting gangliosidosis? Congenital conditions cannot be prevented.  However, if you are looking to adopt a new pet, you can request that a DNA analysis genetic test be performed on the parents of any purebred kitten you wish to obtain, particularly if the kitten is a Korat. Work with reputable breeders who have identified and eliminated carriers of this brain disease from their breeding pools. All types of gangliosidosis are inherited as autosomal recessive traits, which means that female or male kittens are equally at risk to inherit the disease gene.

Are there certain breeds that get more often? Yes. The Korat is the cat breed most at risk for inheriting gangliosidosis. This condition does occur in rare instances in Siamese.