DERMATOLOGY
Figure 3. A cat with pemphigus foliaceus lesions on the paws,
specifically around the base of the nailbeds.
Figure 1. A cat with mosquito bite hypersensitivity, showing lesions on the pinna and nares.
environmental flea control, and using a topical flea
control product every two weeks for at least three
doses (selamectin-containing products are some
of her favorites in cats since they also rule out Notoedres species infection).
Taking a thorough history with cats that are allergic to
mosquito bites is also super important. Dr. Ghubash
has seen cats with mosquito bite hypersensitivity be
misdiagnosed as having neoplasia. These cats often
present with dermatitis on their ears, rostral nares and
paws (Figure 1).
Pemphigus foliaceus
This autoimmune disorder can certainly mimic allergies in cats, says Dr. Ghubash, which is another reason why vaccination and drug administration history
is important. Cats with pemphigus foliaceus tend to
present with lesions on their ears, nailbeds and nipples (Figures 2-3). As a side note, Dr. Ghubash says,
“Cats don’t get allergic dermatitis like dogs do.” If the
nailbeds are involved, think pemphigus first.
Chin acne
“The biggest thing in treating this condition is making
sure you are identifying and adequately treating the infection,” Dr. Ghubash says. “You may need six to eight
weeks of antibiotic therapy to knock it out.”
A
Eosinophilic granuloma complex
Remember that eosinophilic granuloma complex is a
clinical sign of allergies. It can produce four types of
allergic reactions in cats:
• Indolentulcers
• Eosinophilic plaques
• Linear granulomas
• Eosinophilic granuloma plaques
When you see any of these lesions, be sure to check
the mouth and palate of the cat you’re examining. Dr.
Ghubash says that she has found quite a few cats that
have these other signs and then painful other lesions
that were missed in those cats’ mouths.
AND DON’T FORGET ...
Other syndromes that can cause pruritus in cats are
cutaneous lymphoma, paraneoplastic syndrome and
autoimmune disease. Also, if the cat has a history of
upper respiratory viral infection, you might consider
viral dermatitis as a cause.
B
Figures 2A and 2B: Cats with pemphigus foliaceus lesions on
their pinna.
Reference
1. Raditic DM, Remillard RL, Tater KC. ELISA testing for common food
antigens in four dry dog foods used in dietary elimination trials. J Anim
Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl)2011;95(1):90-97.
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Issue 06 | DECEMBER 2016 | 14