A condition resembling Chastek paralysis in cats

Authors: Munday BL, King SJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 20, Issue 5, pp 80-81, May 1972
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cat, Companion animal
Subject Terms: Diet/rations/food, Locomotor, Nervous system/neurology, Nutrition/metabolism, Muscle/myology, Disease/defect
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: Chastek paralysis was originally described by Green (1936) in fur-bearing animals being fed raw carp (Cyprinus carpio) which contained a high level of thiaminase. Subsequent reports of the condition in foxes, mink (Evans et al 1942) and cats (Jubb et al 1956) were all associated with fish diets of high thiaminase content. However, more recently (Mayhew and Stewart, 1969; Loew et al 1970; R. D. Jolly, pers. comm.) the condition has been recorded in animals receiving “normal” diets which have been shown to be, or have been suspected of being, thiamin-deficient. The purpose of this communication is to describe the occurrence of a feline encephalopathy typical of Chastek paralysis in cats receiving a “normal” diet.

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