Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with crusty skin and hair loss linked to liver disease
By Godfrey, D R & Rest, J R·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2000·Nine Lives Veterinary Practice for Cats·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Suspected necrolytic migratory erythema associated with chronic hepatopathy in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with hair loss and crusty skin on its feet and tail was diagnosed with a rare skin condition called necrolytic migratory erythema, linked to ongoing liver disease. The cat also had an undiagnosed chronic intestinal issue. Tests showed imbalances in zinc, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, and while the cat received medical treatment, the results were mixed. This case highlights a unique connection between skin problems and liver disease in cats.
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Abstract
A cat presenting with generalised hypotrichosis and crusts on the feet and tail was found to have an unusual chronic hepatopathy. There was also evidence of a chronic small intestinal disease which went undiagnosed. Necrolytic migratory erythema was suspected based on clinical findings and dermatohistopathology, and an association with the chronic hepatopathy was suggested. This is the first report of such an association in a cat. Serum zinc, amino acids and essential fatty acids were analysed, and medical treatment was given with equivocal efficacy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10976630/