Severe muscle fasciculations and tremor in a cat with hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis secondary to duodenal obstruction

Abstract

Case summary An 18-month-old, female spayed, Australian Mist cat presented with a 24 h history of muscle tremors and inappetence progressing to collapse with generalised muscle fasciculations. The cat was diagnosed with a hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis due to a duodenal foreign body found to be a trichobezoar at coeliotomy. The cat made a complete recovery after enterotomy to remove the trichobezoar, with cessation of neuromuscular clinical signs and normalisation of its electrolyte and acid–base imbalances. Relevance and novel information Muscle fasciculations and tremors in cats can be caused by intoxications, metabolic derangements, encephalomyelitis, feline hyperaesthesia syndrome and cerebellar diseases. The presenting clinical signs of severe muscle fasciculations and tremors have not previously been reported in association with an intestinal obstruction in the cat.