Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline atopic dermatitis causing severe itching in 45 cats studied
By Ravens, Philippa A et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2014·Small Animal Specialist Hospital, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of 45 cases (2001-2012).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 45 cats with severe itching was evaluated for atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition. Most of these cats were young, with many showing symptoms like hair loss, skin sores, and lesions mainly on their faces, necks, and bellies. The study found that treatments like ciclosporin (a medication that suppresses the immune system) worked well for all cats that received it, while other options like steroids and allergy shots also helped many cats. This suggests that if your cat is suffering from severe itching, there are effective treatments available.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is recognized as a common cause of pruritus in cats, but it remains incompletely characterized. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate cases of confirmed feline AD. ANIMALS: Fourty-five cats from a dermatology referral practice (2001-2012). METHODS: A retrospective case record review was carried out using strict diagnostic criteria, including exclusion of flea-bite hypersensitivity and adverse food reaction. RESULTS: Disease prevalence was 12.5%, with domestic mixed (n = 24), Abyssinian (n = 6) and Devon rex (n = 3) cat breeds predisposed. Median age of onset was 2 years (62% <3 years; 22% >7 years; range 3 months to 12 years). Common presentations were severe (82%), nonseasonal (82%), waxing/waning (36%) pruritus, with alopecia/crusting/excoriations and/or erosions/ulceration (73%). Miliary dermatitis (20%) and eosinophilic granuloma complex lesions (27%) occurred. The face/head (71%), ventral abdomen (51%), neck (51%), limbs (38%), pinnae (31%), dorsum/rump (31%) and feet (16%) were frequently affected sites; lesions were restricted to the head/neck in only five cats (11%). Concurrent otitis externa (16%), superficial bacterial pyoderma (49%), Malassezia dermatitis (7%), flea-bite hypersensitivity (24%) and adverse food reaction (13%) occurred. Strong reactions on intradermal allergen testing were common (68%; 19 of 30), most frequently to pollens (61%) and/or insects (46%). Good response to ciclosporin (100%; 10 of 10), systemic glucocorticoids (55%; 22 of 40) and allergen-specific immunotherapy (57%; 13 of 23) and good/partial response to antihistamines (67%; 22 of 33) were reported. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The prevalence of feline AD was higher than previously suggested, and breed predispositions were confirmed. Severe nonseasonal pruritus was most common, with a varied spectrum of lesions affecting a range of body areas.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24597491/