EXPRESS: Menrath ulcer resulting in life-threatening anemia in a cat: A case report

Abstract

An 11-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented for evaluation of severe oral hemorrhage. The patient had documented flea infestation and a history of marked pruritus preceding the onset of bleeding. Clinical examination identified a solitary lesion on the rostral hard palate as the only apparent source of hemorrhage. Histopathological analysis of the lesion revealed features consistent with trauma-induced ulceration, including fibrino-suppurative inflammation and granulation tissue proliferation. Based on the lesion’s location, clinical history, and histopathological findings, a diagnosis of Menrath ulcer was established, presumed to be secondary to excessive grooming behavior associated with pruritic skin disease. This case report describes a feline patient diagnosed with a Menrath ulcer, managed through multiple blood transfusions and surgical closure of the palatal lesion. Concurrent treatment targeted the underlying pruritic skin disease, including antiparasitic therapy and corticosteroids for suspected flea allergy dermatitis. The patient was monitored over an 12-month follow-up period, during which no recurrence of oral hemorrhage was observed, supporting the efficacy of combined surgical and medical management in cases of Menrath ulceration.