Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with dry mouth and eyes diagnosed with Sjogren's-like syndrome
By Canapp, S O et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2001·Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Xerostomia, xerophthalmia, and plasmacytic infiltrates of the salivary glands (Sjögren's-like syndrome) in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2.5-year-old domestic shorthair cat was brought to the vet because it was having trouble swallowing and had lost weight over the past month. The cat also had swollen salivary glands, dry eyes, and its tear production was very low. After trying prednisone with little success, the vet switched to a combination of medications, including pilocarpine, cyclosporine, and an eye ointment, which helped improve the cat's condition. Sjögren's syndrome, a condition that affects moisture production, was diagnosed, and while it's rare in pets, this case shows it may be more common than we think.
People also search for: cat dry eyes treatment · cat weight loss and difficulty swallowing · Sjögren's syndrome in cats · cat salivary gland issues · pilocarpine for cats
Abstract
A 2.5-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of dysphagia and weight loss of 4 weeks' duration. MIld blepharospasm and conjunctival hyperemia were evident in both eyes, oral mucous membranes were tacky on palpation, and salivary glands were enlarged. Results of a Schirmer tear test were 0 mm/min for both eyes. Administration of atropine did not cause salivation or caused secretion fo thick rope-like saliva. Examination of biopsy specimens of salivary glands revealed a plasmacytic infiltrate. Sjögren's syndrome (SS) was diagnosed. Oral administration of prednisone was instituted but was discontinued after a minimal positive response was evident 6 weeks after initiation of treatment. Palliative treatment with a 6% solution of pilocarpine 4 to 5 times/d, cyclosporine, hylan A, and neomycin-polymyxin-bacitracin ophthalmic ointment resulted in clinical improvement in the cat. Although reported rarely in animals, SS may be more common than currently is recognized. Most treatment regimens for SS are aimed at alleviating clinical signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11149716/