Selective Symmetrical Encephalomalacia in a Maine Coon Crossbred Kitten in Italy

Selective symmetrical encephalomalacia is a rare disease that causes damage to specific areas of the brain on both sides in a symmetrical pattern. It has been described in young animals and in humans, but only one case has been reported in cats. This report describes a six-month-old kitten in Italy that developed severe neurological problems, including loss of balance, difficulty controlling body movements, breathing problems, seizures, and abnormal vocalization. Despite clinical examinations and laboratory testing, no clear cause of the disease could be identified while the animal was alive. The kitten died a few days after the onset of clinical signs. After death, detailed examination of the brain revealed characteristic areas of tissue destruction affecting multiple regions of the central nervous system. These findings were consistent with selective symmetrical encephalomalacia. Additional diagnostic investigations helped rule out other diseases that can cause similar neurological signs. By comparing the lesions observed in this kitten with those previously reported in dogs and humans, this report expands current knowledge of this uncommon condition and highlights the importance of postmortem examination in investigating unexplained neurological diseases in young animals.