Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pemphigus foliaceus skin disease in cats treated by general vets
By Coyner, K et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2018·Dermatology Clinic for Animals, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline pemphigus foliaceus in non-specialist veterinary practice: a retrospective analysis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 48 cats with a skin condition called pemphigus foliaceus (an autoimmune disease causing sores and crusts) were treated by veterinarians. Most cats were given oral prednisolone, a steroid that helps suppress the immune system, and about 90% of them achieved remission. However, many cats experienced relapses, meaning their symptoms returned, which required adjustments in their treatment. Some cats had severe side effects from the medications, especially those given long-acting injections. Overall, while remission is common, ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustments are important for managing this condition.
People also search for: cat skin problems pemphigus foliaceus · cat autoimmune disease treatment · cat prednisolone side effects
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To characterise the signalment, clinical presentation and therapy of pemphigus foliaceus in cats treated by primary care practitioners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of patient and treatment factors with the following case outcomes: remission (achieving remission, time to remission), treatment-related adverse effects (number, severity) and final disease outcome (medical control, cure, death or euthanasia). RESULTS: Data were obtained from 48 cats with biopsy-confirmed pemphigus foliaceus managed by practitioners from six countries and 47 hospitals. Clinicians prescribed oral prednisolone most commonly for immunosuppression (median dose 2·2 mg/kg/day). Disease remission information was available in 40 cats; 90% achieved disease remission, which did not appear related to the doses of oral glucocorticoid administered in this study. Disease relapse occurred in 29 (73%) cats after achieving remission, necessitating medication adjustments. Severe treatment-related adverse effects occurred in eight cases, including both cats treated with long-acting injectable glucocorticoids. Of 31 cats treated with glucocorticoid monotherapy, 27 achieved remission, as did eight of 11 ciclosporin plus glucocorticoid-treated cats. Eleven cats experienced adverse effects: five receiving ciclosporin plus glucocorticoid and six receiving glucocorticoid monotherapy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Pemphigus foliaceus remission with treatment is highly likely in cats but relapse is common, necessitating close monitoring and individualised therapy modifications. Clinicians should focus on the judicious use of glucocorticoids to minimise treatment-related adverse effects, such as avoiding injectable glucocorticoids, combining glucocorticoids with steroid-sparing medications, and regularly rechecking patients to adjust drug dosages in response to disease status.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29961990/