When the raised, welldemarcated reddish ulcers appear on the lips of affected felines, they are termed eosinophilic ulcers or “rodent ulcers”. Linear granulomas are eosinophilic granulomas that can occur anywhere on the body, but usually on the back portion of the hind legs.

These ulcerations are yellowish to pink in appearance, and, as the name implies, they tend to run in a straight line down the affected portion of skin. With both eosinophilic ulcers and linear granulomas, pain and itching do not appear to be significant factors.

However, prompt treatment is still important, since some of these lesions, especially eosinophilic ulcers, can evolve to skin cancer if left alone. Eosinophilic plaques are types of eosinophilic granuloma that are associated with intense itching.

These well-demarcated, raised ulcers are often bright red in appearance and show up primarily on the abdomen and on the upper, inside portions of the back legs. Cats so affected will often lick constantly at the lesions because of the irritation and itching that they cause.

Diagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma complex in cats is routinely made on physical exam and on microscopic examination of cells or tissues from the lesions. Treatment employs corticosteroids given orally or by injection for 3 to 4 weeks.

In cases that don’t respond to standard treatment, alternate therapy such as radiation therapy may be used in an effort to bring the lesions under control. As with miliary dermatitis, antibiotics are rarely necessary to afford a cure unless a secondary infection is present.

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Why Do Genetic Problems Occur?

Inherited disorders result from faults in a cat’s genes—sections of DNA inside cells that hold the “instructions” for a cat’s development, body structures, and functions. Genetic disorders usually develop in small populations, or result from the mating of animals that are too closely related.

For this reason, such disorders are more common in pedigrees. Sometimes, screening tests are used to identify cats with inherited disorders.

Breed-Specific Problems

Because the gene pool may be quite small for each cat breed, faulty genes can have a greater influence than they would in a larger mixed-breed population, where such genes usually vanish after a few generations.

A disease such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is mainly associated with the Maine Coon and Ragdoll, and is linked to one faulty gene. The disorder causes the heart muscle to become thicker and less elastic, which reduces the space inside the heart’s chambers and the volume of blood that the heart can pump.

This eventually leads to heart failure. Some cat breeds are actually characterized by inherited disorders—for example, in the past the crossed eyes of classic Siamese cats were the result of a visual problem.

An inherited disorder may be present when a kitten is born or may develop later in a cat’s life. Some cats may have a faulty gene but never develop symptoms. These cats are called carriers and can produce kittens with the inherited disease if they breed with another cat carrying the same faulty gene.

Many cat diseases are thought to be genetic in origin, but have not yet had faulty genes identified to explain them. The disorders listed in the table have all been confirmed as genetic. For some of them, screening tests are available to identify whether or not a cat has the faulty gene.

What Can Owners Do?

To help eradicate inherited disorders, responsible breeders should avoid using any cats known to have or to carry an inherited disorder for breeding by having them neutered.

If your cat has, or develops, a genetic disorder, try to find out as much information as possible about the condition. Most inherited disorders are not curable, but careful management can reduce symptoms and allow a good quality of life for your pet.

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Megacolon is caused by a disruption of or lack of nerve activity in the muscular walls of the colon. It might occur secondary to spinal cord trauma, other diseases affecting the nervous system, or, as in the case of some Manx cats, be inherited.

The clinical signs associated with feline megacolon can vary. Straining to defecate is certainly the most obvious sign; diarrhea can also be seen alongside firm, hard stools. If the obstruction is severe, vomiting, dehydration, and loss of appetite can be seen as well.

Diagnosis of feline megacolon can be made on physical examination and, for confirmation, from radiographs. Treatment involves removing the fecal impaction using warm-water enemas and by infusing the colon with mineral oil.

Enemas designed for use in humans should not be used in cats, as the components of a human enema solution can cause severe dehydration in cats, Severe cases might require surgical relief of the impaction.

There is no effective cure for this condition; as a result, preventive maintenance therapy should be used to prevent recurrences. Giving an oral hairball laxative on a daily basis will help keep fecal matter moving along nicely.

Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet has also been shown to be helpful in preventing relapses.

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For example, atopic (allergic) dermatitis in dogs and cats results from an overactive immune response to inhaled pollens. Lupus erythematosus and pemphigus are two autoimmune disorders that, aside from causing significant skin lesions, can damage other organs of the body as well.

With autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the immune system actually destroys the body’s own red blood cells, leading to anemia. Myasthenia gravis, a disease characterized by profound muscle weakness after only minimal exertion, is also classified as an autoimmune disease.

Immunity mediated kidney disease and arthritis can also afflict pets stricken with a genetic predisposition for these disorders. Many cases of hypothyroidism in dogs are caused by an overactive immune system attacking and inactivating the thyroid hormone produced within the body.

Finally, in cats, the classic example of an immune system gone awry is feline infectious peritonitis. In this disease, it is not the virus itself but rather the exaggerated immune response to it that actually proves fatal to the cat.

Allergies and most autoimmune reactions can be controlled with corticosteroid medication, which, at high enough dosages, has a suppressive effect on the immune system.

However, because these steroids can have significant side effects, such treatments should only be performed under the close, continual supervision of a veterinarian.

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Furthermore, the miliary reaction is quite itchy, and leads to scratching, rubbing, and licking of the affected skin. Hair loss often results as a result of these activities. Often the irritation that miliary dermatitis causes is so great that the affected cat becomes easily agitated and twitches its skin when disturbed or touched.

The potential causes of miliary dermatitis are numerous. Irritation caused by external parasites is the most common cause of localized miliary reactions. Allergies, including food, inhalant, and contact allergies, are other potential causes.

In addition, adverse reactions to medications and drugs and fatty-acid deficiencies in the diet have also been implicated as inciting feline miliary dermatitis. Treatment for feline miliary dermatitis is aimed at correcting the underlying cause of the disorder, if this is known.

For those cases in which an underlying cause cannot be identified, treatment with corticosteroids can provide relief from the clinical signs. Antibiotics are rarely necessary, since bacterial infection is rarely a component of this disorder.

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Myositis can be caused by a number of different disease entities, including toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, bacterial infections (abscesses), low blood potassium, and autoimmune disease.

Myositis is diagnosed using clinical signs and blood tests designed to detect increased levels in muscle enzymes within the blood. In especially elusive cases, biopsy samples taken from suspected muscle tissue can help veterinarians obtain a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment for myositis is aimed at the underlying cause. If infections are to blame, appropriate antimicrobial or antiparasitic therapy will help relieve the myositis.

Anti-inflammatory medications can also be used to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with the inflammation until the underlying cause is treated.

Autoimmune myositis, such as masticatory myositis, is treated with high levels of glucocorticosteroids (such as prednisolone) in an effort to suppress the immune response causing the inflammation in the first place.

The prognosis for complete recovery with autoimmune myositis is poor, yet with medications, the signs associated with the disorder can be kept under control.

The term myopathy refers to abnormal anatomy and/or function of skeletal muscle tissue within the body. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment to stop the progression of these myopathies.

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What Causes Folliculitis in Cats?

Folliculitis often stems from a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicles. Staphylococcus bacteria frequently trigger staph infections deep within the skin. Ringworm fungus also invades hair follicles leading to irritation and shedding.

Allergic reactions can also spark folliculitis especially to ingredients found in low-quality pet foods or grooming products. Your vet can identify the specific source through skin tests. Less common potential causes include mite infestations or autoimmune disorders.

Signs Your Cat May Have Folliculitis

Typical symptoms involve small red bumps, pustules, crusty scabs or hair loss concentrated on a specific body part or spreading in patches across multiple areas like the:

– Chin
– Face
– Legs
– Tail
– Torso

As bacterial or fungal overgrowth attacks hair follicle tissues, it generates inflammation, itchiness, pain and seepage. Your cat may lick or scratch the affected areas excessively worsening skin damage. Catching and addressing folliculitis early provides the best treatment outlook.

Diagnosing Feline Folliculitis

Start by observing your cat’s skin closely each day checking for abnormalities. Gently part the fur with your fingers to expose the skin across all body areas.

If you discover bumps, hair loss, scabs, or open wounds get your cat examined promptly by its veterinarian. They will first assess for the presence of mites or ringworm. For underlying infections, the vet will take skin scrapings or cultures then analyze samples under a microscope. Blood tests help determine if an overactive immune system could play a role.

By pinpointing the specific cause for inflammation surrounding the hair follicles, the vet customizes the optimal treatment protocol.

Treating Cat Folliculitis

Treating folliculitis aims to eliminate the underlying trigger, control pain and itching, combat infection, and nurse skin back to health. This may involve:

– Antibiotics – Oral or topicals fight bacterial skin infections
– Antifungals – Treat ringworm fungus infesting follicles
– Medicated shampoos – Chlorhexidine and miconazole gently cleanse infected skin
– Anti-inflammatories – Reduce swelling, irritation, pain, and itchiness
– Immune modulators – Control overactive immune responses
– Omega fatty acids – Soothe and heal damaged skin
– Antiseptic topicals – Prevent wounds from infection
– Oral vitamins and supplements support skin health
– Steroids help with itching and inflammation

Your vet will prescribe the appropriate selection of treatments customized to the specific cause and severity of your cat’s condition. In most cases, conditions clear within several weeks with proper care.

Preventing Recurrent Folliculitis

Once the active bout resolves, keeping the skin healthy prevents against recurrent flare-ups. Follow these key prevention tips:

– Feed a high-quality diet to nourish skin and coat health
– Avoid irritating ingredients that can trigger allergic skin reactions
– Groom gently using hypoallergenic shampoos/conditioners formulated for cat skin
– Control parasites like fleas and mites
– Practice good hygiene and properly clean litter boxes
– Follow vet recommendations for ongoing immune-modulating supplements
– Follow up recheck appointments to monitor skin health

What Is the Long-Term Outlook?

With appropriate treatment guided by a veterinary dermatologist, most cats fully recover from folliculitis within several weeks. Typically no long-term complications arise. However, the condition may come and go when triggered by underlying allergies or immune system problems. Sticking with the prevention methods, customized diet, supplements, and medication regimen aids in keeping recurrent flare-ups at bay.

Catching folliculitis early better ensures prompt recovery without permanent hair follicle or skin damage. Monitor your cat’s skin closely in between vet visits. Seek prompt veterinary care upon noticing any abnormal skin changes to get your cat back to optimal health. Consistent care and prevention helps manage feline folliculitis long-term.

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Open fractures can also predispose to bone infections. Furthermore, fungal organisms, such as histoplasmosis and blastomycosis, can also spread from other areas of the body via the blood and infect bony tissue in pets.

Cats with osteomyelitis are lame and feverish, and usually feel considerable pain at the affected site. These signs, combined with the localized swelling that often occurs, can easily be mistaken for a fracture and must be differentiated from one.

To do this, radiographic X rays should be taken of the suspected skeletal region. In addition, bone biopsies might be necessary to differentiate some cases of osteomyelitis from bone tumors, and to collect samples for bacterial or fungal cultures.

Because infections that become embedded in bone can be difficult to clear up with antibiotics alone, surgery is usually needed to actually remove those portions of bone severely affected.

Drain tubes are placed as well to allow for postsurgical drainage and flushing of the site with medicated solutions. Following surgery, antibiotic therapy might be required for 1 to 2 months. If a fungal organism is involved, medications might need to be given for 4 to 6 months.

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This impairment can be in the form of a spasticity of the muscles in the involved region, or these muscles may become completely limp. In either case, the muscles involved are unable to function in the manner in which they were intended.

Paralysis involving the sensory portion of the nervous system can result in an increased sensitivity to pain or in a complete absence of it. Finally, paralysis resulting in the inefficient function of certain internal organs can occur as well if the nerves supplying these structures are disrupted in any way.

Any disease or disorder that traumatizes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves has the potential to cause paralysis. In cats, some of the more common causes seen by veterinarians include infectious dis- eases and parasites, being hit by a car, ruptured disks, and in the case of facial muscle paralysis, ear infections.

Treatment of paralysis is geared toward identifying and treating the underlying cause. If it has been caused by trauma, anti-inflammatory agents combined with drugs designed to draw fluid out of the central nervous system might help reverse signs of paralysis, yet their usefulness is dependent on the extent of the nervous injury and how quickly therapy is instituted.

Pets that have sensory paralysis in a limb might require limb amputation to prevent self-mutilation of the leg. In instances where an irreversible paralysis involves more than one limb, or involves the malfunction of internal organs, pet owners must seriously consider not only their pet’s quality of life as a paralytic but their own as well, before prolonged therapeutic or rehabilitative measures are undertaken.

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This condition is characterized by a calcium deficiency within the body that leads to abnormal bone growth and bone resorption as the body tries to correct the low calcium levels in the bloodstream.

Hyperparathyroidism can result from feeding pets all-meat diets (which are naturally low in calcium), or it can result secondary to kidney disease.

Dogs and cats afflicted with metabolic bone diseases exhibit lame- ness, weakness, bone and joint deformities, and spontaneous fractures. Diagnosis is based on radiographic X-ray findings and on blood calcium measurements.

Treatment for nutritionally related bone dis- ease obviously involves changes in the diet and calcium supplementation. Treatment for kidney-related hyperparathyroidism is geared toward counteracting the kidney disease itself.

Another type of metabolic bone disease that can affect cats is called hypervitaminosis A. This condition is seen in those cats fed an exclusive diet of liver, which contain high levels of vitamin A.

Musculoskeletal changes seen in cats experiencing chronic vitamin A toxicity include bony deformities, outgrowths, and fusion involving the vertebral column, especially in the region of the neck, and bony fusion of the joints of the limbs, resulting in pain and immobility.

A history of an all-liver diet, combined with clinical signs and radiographic analysis of the spine and limbs, can reveal conclusive evidence of hypervitaminosis A. If detected early in its development, this condition can often be reversed by switching the cat to a balanced diet.

However, in advanced cases, the bony changes that occur are usually permanent, and anti-inflammatory medications are usually required for the remaining life of the cat to help ease the pain associated with the disease.

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