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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Early signs that might be noticed include wet hairs, reddened skin, and hair loss in the areas of biting and scratching. Prolonged itching results in further hair loss, excessive scaling and thickening, and discoloration of the involved skin.

Secondary skin infections are common. Severe and/or prolonged itching is most always a symptom of an underlying skin disorder. As a result, correction of the underlying problem is imperative if the symptom of itching is to be successfully controlled.

Inhalant Allergic Dermatitis (Atopic Dermatitis; Atopy)

Inhalant allergic dermatitis represents one of the most common causes of itching in cats across the United States. Atopy often produces severe itching and is frequently accompanied by skin infection (folliculitis), scaling, hair loss, and discoloration.

Atopy parallels human hay fever, except that itching is the primary symptom in the cat rather than the respiratory symptoms exhibited by people. Licking and chewing of the feet, legs, and flank are common symptoms reported by owners, along with generalized scratching.

Atopy is inherited and usually develops between the ages of 6 months and 4 years, following exposure to immune-system-stimulating substances called allergens. Although atopy is seasonal, sporadic, and relatively mild in its early stages, it often becomes perennial, and worsens in severity with time.

Unfortunately, pets do not outgrow these allergies. Dust (and dust mites), fungal spores, and pollens from trees, shrubs, and grasses can all initiate an allergy in cats. Since these substances are present in the air and can be carried hundreds of miles by wind, trying to avoid them by restricting a pet’s environment is not possible.

Diagnosis of atopy is based on clinical signs seen, seasonality of such signs, and allergy testing. There are currently two methods of allergy testing available: intradermal skin testing and serum testing. Intradermal skin testing involves injecting a number of different allergens into the skin of the patient and observing the injection sites for a corresponding allergic reaction.

This type of testing has been used effectively for allergy diagnosis for years and provides the most definitive way to find out what a pet is actually allergic to. Serum testing is also used to diagnose allergies.

These tests involve the evaluation of a serum sample from the allergic pet for antibodies to substances to which it might be allergic. The advantage such testing affords over skin testing is that it is much easier to perform and causes little discomfort to the patient.

However, since the accuracy of such tests is still being debated within the veterinary community, intradermal skin testing is still considered by some experts to be the most definitive way to diagnose atopy.

There are four ways to approach treatment for atopy: steroid anti-inflammatory (cortisone-type) drugs, antihistamine/fatty-acid therapy, topical therapy, and allergy shots or hyposensitization.

Steroid Anti-Inflammatories (Cortisone-Type Drugs)

These medications temporarily suppress the itching sensations produced by the allergy. Steroid anti-inflammatories are never curative, yet they can offer effective relief from itching for days to weeks. Increases in water consumption, urination frequency, and appetite are sometimes seen in pets placed on steroid therapy.

Unfortunately, prolonged steroid usage over months might produce side effects much more unpleasant than these, including bloating (water retention), muscle atrophy, skin thinning, hair loss, and decreased resistance to infection.

In addition, while these steroids are being administered to a pet (especially dogs), its body’s ability to produce its own cortisone is suppressed, and might not return even when the steroid therapy is discontinued.

If this happens, the pet could go into shock and die. As a result, long-term usage of these drugs for allergic dermatitis should be done only under the close scrutiny of a veterinarian.

Antihistamine/Fatty-Acid Therapy

Scientific studies have shown that antihistamine medications alone do little to suppress itching caused by atopic dermatitis. Because antihistamine drugs can cause drowsiness, they can be useful for helping calm down a frustrated pet that can’t stop itching and chewing on itself.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be quite beneficial to atopic cats. It seems that these fatty acids, which are derived from cold-water fish such as salmon, do have the ability in some cases to reduce inflammatory responses and stop itching.

Others require additional medications, such as antihistamines, in order to achieve an acceptable comfort level. Although the effectiveness of this therapy can vary between cases, it does provide a unique alternative to steroid therapy.

Topical Therapy

Topical treatments by themselves do little to provide lasting relief to the atopic pet. However, when used in combination with other forms of therapy, they can potentiate the effects of these other treatments.

One such topical product, a colloidal oatmeal conditioner, can provide effective topical relief for atopic cats. Along with applying it after bathing, it can also be used as a daily spray (create a 10 to 25% mixture with filtered water and place in a spray bottle) as well.

The advantage of using oatmeal conditioners versus shampooing is twofold: (1) A conditioner will help moisturize and soothe the skin with repeated use, whereas shampoos can dry out the skin; and (2) colloidal oatmeal is known to be an effective anti-itch agent and can be applied as many times during the day as necessary to provide relief.

Just be sure to brush your pet thoroughly after each application to work the conditioner down to the skin.

Allergy Shots or Hyposensitization

An alternative approach to treating allergies aside from the ones just mentioned is to hyposensitize the pet using allergen injections. This approach requires allergy testing to be performed, followed by a series of injections of the exact allergens or agents causing the reaction.

Although this approach is not effective in all instances, some veterinary dermatology specialists do report at least an 85 to 90 percent success rate; this rate is based on at least 50 percent overall improvement in the allergic pet’s condition.

However, since inhalant allergens are poor stimulators of immunity, this improvement takes some time. Owners should allow anywhere from 1 to 6 months before making a final judgment as to the effectiveness of the treatment. In most cases, maintenance injections given monthly will be required for the lifetime of the pet.

Fleabite Hypersensitivity

Aside from the discomfort caused by the actual bite of a flea, cats might develop an allergic response to the flea’s saliva deposited in the skin during feeding. Moderate to severe itching and hair loss can result, especially along the back near the tail, hips, and hindleg areas.

Some allergic pets can harbor staphylococcal bacteria not found on the skin of nonallergic pets. Irritation resulting from fleabites can produce a skin infection (folliculitis) on the damaged skin surface and hair follicles.

Toxins released from these bacteria might further intensify the itch-scratch cycle. As one might guess, successful treatment of a flea allergy is heavily dependent on the ability to control fleas on the pet and in the environment.

Food Hypersensitivity (Food Allergies)

Food allergies are a potential cause of nonseasonal itching in cats. Other dermatological symptoms might include hives, facial swelling, and chronic ear infections as well.

Besides these skin-related problems, food-related allergies have also been implicated in gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and/or excess gas.

Diagnosis of food hypersensitivity requires the exclusive feeding of a hypoallergenic diet containing a protein source that is not commonly used in commercial pet foods for 8 weeks. Such diets are available through veterinarians.

If a positive diagnosis is made, the pet will need to remain on the hypoallergenic diet indefinitely. Simply changing food brands or types seldom benefits food allergy cases since most commercial foods contain similar ingredients.

Food items such as milk, animal proteins, and vegetable proteins are the most common culprits causing food-induced allergies in pets.

Contact Hypersensitivity – (Contact Allergy)

The haircoat of cats offers an efficient protective barrier to many substances and agents that could produce an allergic reaction just by coming in contact with the skin. Therefore, those areas relatively devoid of hair such as the chest, abdomen, and feet are more susceptible to contact allergies.

The most common contact-allergy-producing agents include detergents, shampoos, pet sprays, collars, and insecticides, which, in liquid form, can penetrate the normally protective haircoat. In addition, bedding that is moldy or has been chemically treated can cause contact hypersensitivity.

Symptoms of such exposure include redness and swelling of the skin and intense itching. These signs will generally develop within 24 to 72 hours after exposure. Chemicals that can normally irritate the skin might produce similar symptoms immediately after contact.

Such reactions are not to be confused with slower developing hypersensitivity. Treatment of contact allergies requires the removal of the offending agent and administration of topical and/or systemic anti-inflammatory drugs.

A thorough history of the pet’s exposure to chemicals and exposure to any environment vegetation is imperative in the veterinarian’s effort to identify the allergy-producing agent. Bacterial Infections Bacterial infections involving the skin are itchy in themselves.

As a result, when they occur secondarily to an allergy or parasitic infestation, it can mean sheer misery for a pet. It is for this reason that many treatments for other skin ailments are combined with antibiotic therapy.

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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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Their presence irritates the glands lining the ear canal, leading to an increased cerumen production. Secondary infections with the Malassezia yeast are not uncommon, leading to the brown, crusty discharge so often seen with ear mite infestations.

In isolated cases, intense allergic reactions to ear mites can occur, causing severe inflammation and secondary infection. Diagnosis of an ear mite infestation is confirmed by identification of the mites directly on otoscopic exam or through a microscopic examination of an ear swab.

Treatment involves the use of medications containing antiparasitic compounds, such as pyrethrins, rotenone, ivermectin, or thiabendazole. Mineral oil has also been employed as a home remedy for killing mites by suffocation.

Since secondary yeast infections are commonly found with ear mite infestations, an antiyeast medication should be used concurrently with antimite preparations. Ear mites can be difficult pests to eliminate. Depending on the medication used, daily treatment for 3 to 4 weeks might be needed to ensure a complete kill.

All animals in the household, regardless of whether they are exhibiting signs of infestation, should be treated at the same time.

In addition, to prevent reinfestation from the haircoat, an insecticidal spray or shampoo should be used at least twice during the treatment period.

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The kidneys especially begin to lose the ability to handle waste materials that must be removed from the bloodstream and excreted in the urine.

Even older cats that appear to be in perfect health could have kidneys that function much less effectively than they used to.

Guidelines for feeding the older pets include

1. Feed a high-quality pet food specifically designed for the senior pet. A veterinarian can advise you of any special health problems that your pet already has and any other dietary changes that might be necessary. In many cases of “old age” diseases, special foods can be prescribed along with medication to help manage these conditions. For instance, studies have shown that feeding a diet rich in antioxidants can help lessen age-related senility.
2. If you notice your older pet gaining or losing weight, consult with a veterinarian about any changes in diet that can correct the problem. At the same time, the vet will check for any medical problem that might be contributing to the change in weight.
3. Do not supplement your older pet’s diet with anything unless a veterinarian specifically recommends it. Senior digestive systems are even more sensitive than younger ones to the unbalancing effects of frequent snacks, treats, and table food added to the diet.
4. Take your “senior” for regular (at least once a year) medical checkups to catch problems early or prevent them altogether. The right diet throughout life is an important part of a sound preventive medicine program to safeguard the health and long life of your treasured pet.
5. Keep fresh, clean, filtered water available at all times.

Dietary Management of Disease

For years, medical research has been telling us about the benefits of eating a well-balanced diet for good health. In addition, we also know that special modification of the dietary intake in the presence of a disease state can be helpful in the treatment and/or long-term management of the condition. This same nutritional health concept can be applied to cats as well.

Many disease conditions in cats, such as obesity (yes, obesity is a disease!), heart disease, kidney disease, and gastrointestinal disease, can be effectively controlled, and sometimes even cured, through diet modification alone.

For example, obesity, constipation, certain types of colitis, and diabetes mellitus all warrant an increase in the amount of fiber present in the ration.

Cats suffering from certain types of feline lower urinary tract disease benefit from diets that acidify the urine and contain low levels of magnesium and other trace minerals.

Finally, recommended management of cats suffering from kidney disease includes diets low in phosphorus and containing only the highest quality proteins.

These special diets or rations aimed at fighting or counteracting diseases can be purchased through a veterinarian, or can be prepared at home via veterinary-supplied recipes.

In general, the commercially prepared products are preferred over the homemade rations. The cost of these diets is negligible when compared to continuing veterinary bills and the poor quality of life that would result by not feeding them.

Just remember to follow the veterinarian’s directions closely as to amounts and frequency of feeding of these diets if they are indeed used.

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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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Other vaccines, including those for the feline immunodeficiency virus (feline AIDS), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), ringworm, Chlamydophila, and Bordetella are optional, and should be administered only on veterinary recommendation.

The school of thought regarding canine and feline immunizations has changed. Many veterinary practitioners and veterinary schools are using extended vaccination schedules in lieu of the traditional “yearly booster” approach. These changes in traditional protocol are based on research findings indicating that:

• Certain vaccines may provide extended immunity and, in some cases, lifelong immunity after an initial series of immunizations.
• Vaccines administered after this immunity has been established may be neutralized and rendered ineffective by the pet’s immune system.
• Repeated immunization using certain vaccine agents, especially those that contain adjuvants (chemical compounds designed to increase the effectiveness of the vaccine), has been linked to allergic reactions, autoimmune disease, and feline sarcoma, a deadly form of cancer in cats.

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