Phenotypic characteristics of paroxysmal dyskinesia in 25 cats.

Paroxysmal dyskinesia occurs across multiple cat breeds; gluten-free diet and levetiracetam show therapeutic promise.

This retrospective study expands understanding of paroxysmal dyskinesia beyond the previously documented Sphynx breed to include 25 cats across multiple breeds, with domestic shorthairs representing 44% of cases. The median age at presentation was 3.5 years. Clinical manifestations during episodes included shifting limb dystonia (100%), bradykinesia (44%), abnormal gait (44%), kyphosis (40%), tail dystonia (40%), and cervical dystonia (36%), with cats remaining conscious and either standing upright or crawling. Neurological examinations were consistently normal between episodes. Treatment outcomes showed promise with gluten-free diet trials benefiting 4 of 6 cats and levetiracetam improving 2 of 2 treated cats. The majority (84%) were diagnosed with idiopathic paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia, while 16% had presumptive gluten-sensitive dyskinesia. Notably, feline presentations differ from canine dyskinesia, featuring crawling locomotion, thoracic limb crossing mimicking proprioceptive ataxia, bradykinesia, digit kneading, and tail dystonia.

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