Feline Spongy Encephalopathy With a Mutation in the Gene.

Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the gene encoding aspartoacylase (ASPA), which hydrolyses N-acetylaspartate (NAA) to acetate and aspartate. A similar feline neurodegenerative disease associated with a mutation in the gene is reported herein. Comprehensive clinical, genetic, and pathological analyses were performed on 4 affected cats.