Ulcerative nasal skin disease in Bengal cats under 1 year

Abstract

The purpose of this report was to describe a unique dermatitis affecting Bengal cats in Sweden. Forty‐eight Bengal cats were presented to DjurAkuten between 1999 and 2003. Six cats (four males and two females) exhibited a unique dermatosis characterized by fissures, crusts, erosions and ulcers limited to the nasal planum. No other skin or internal lesions were noted, except for a heart murmur in one cat. The age of onset varied between 4 months and 1 year. The skin disease did not appear to be contagious. Fungal cultures were negative in four subjects, and haematology and serum chemistry results were unremarkable in two cats. In one patient, histopathology revealed marked epidermal parakeratosis and crusting, and a moderate mononuclear and neutrophilic dermatitis with periadnexal plasma cells. Five cats were treated with antibiotics without noticeable improvement in nasal lesions. Prednisolone administration resulted in complete remission in one cat and partial, short‐term improvement of lesions in another. Topical application of salicylic acid improved lesions in one of two cats. Finally, tacrolimus ointment led to a rapid decrease in lesions in four patients. Follow‐up varied between 4 months and 3 years. One cat remained in complete remission with prednisolone, partial improvement was maintained in one cat with salicylic acid, and marked improvement of lesions persisted with topical tacrolimus in four patients. The cause of this unique dermatitis remains elusive. The occurrence of skin lesions in one breed suggests a heritable cause. The response of lesions to immunomodulators suggests of an immune pathogenesis. Funding: Self‐funded.