Nutritional disorders of the neuromuscular system are rarely observed in dogs and cats. They occasionally occur infood-producing animals.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) Deficiency
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) deficiency can develop in animals (particularly pigs) fed rations of corn.
Clinical signs include pelvic limb ataxia and a “goose-stepping” gait in which the stifle joints remain extended and the hips flex to lift the limbs off the ground.
Histopathological findings associated with pantothenic acid deficiency include degeneration of myelinated fibers in peripheral nerves, as well as chromatolysis and loss of sensory neurons in spinal ganglia.
Treatment is injectable and oral (via drinking water) vitamin supplementation with commercial preparations containing vitamin B5. In addition, calcium pantothenate can be added to the ration as necessary (1).
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Deficiency in Chickens (Curled Toe Paralysis)
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency (curled toe paralysis) can develop in young, rapidly growing chickens fed inappropriately formulated diets.
Affected chicks show poor growth, diarrhea, and weakness. An inability to extend the hocks and a progressive inward curling of the toes cause the chicks rest and walk on their hocks. Mortality rate is high by the third week after hatching.
At necropsy, the peripheral nerves, especially the sciatic nerves, are swollen. Histopathological findings include hypertrophy of Schwann cells, demyelination, and minimal axonal degeneration.
Chickens often recover with riboflavin supplementation unless the curled-toe deformity is long-standing.
References
Lorenzett MP, Armién AG, Henker LC, et al. Motor and somatosensory degenerative myelopathy responsive to pantothenic acid in piglets. Vet Pathol. 2023;60(1):101-114. doi:10.1177/03009858221128920
