Superficial pyoderma is defined as an infection confined to the epidermis of the skin. It encompasses feline diseases such as acne and juvenile pustular dermatitis, as well as superficial folliculitis. Superficial pyoderma are under-recognised in cats, probably because of the variant forms which it presents clinically, compared to the more classic signs in dogs. The predominant lesion types […]

Superficial juvenile pustular dermatitis is superficial pyoderma of cats caused by Pasteurella multocida and various beta-hemolytic streptococci. No underlying cause has been identified[1]. Although P. multocida can cause infections to humans via bite wounds from cats, it primarily causes skin infections on cats. Dermatological signs are characterised by non-follicular pustules associated with epidermal collarettes, mainly on the dorsum and trunk. Systemic […]

There are many viruses which infect felidae, some of which cause overt clinical disease while others are asymptomatic. The properties of viruses which affect cats are not unique and conform to viruses affecting most other mammalian species. Virus Disease Viral Group Classification Astrovirus Diarrhoea ssRNA Astroviridae Borna disease virus Cat staggers ssRNA Borna virus Calicivirus (FCV) Cat Flu […]

Plasma cell chondritis is rarely reported in the literature but believed to be a relatively common self-resolving disease[1]. It is a disease characterised by an often symmetrical, painful swelling of the pinnae, followed by reduction in size and healing. In the initial phase, systemic signs (pyrexia, etc) are seen. Some of these cases have been […]

Plasma cell pododermatitis (‘Spongy pad’) is a rare skin disease of cats. There appears to be no breed, age or sex predilection for this diseases. A number of incriminating causes have been implicated, of which FIV, Mycobacterium spp and FHV have been mentioned[1], as well as Anatrichosoma spp nematode infection. Seasonal occurrence has been suggested but not confirmed[2]. An immune-mediated relationship has been hypothesized since […]

Pemphigus is a rare skin disease in cats but because of the spectacular nature of the clinical symptoms, is often studied extensively by veterinarians. It is the most common autoimmune disease in cats, compared with lupus erythematosus[1]. Pemphigus begins as a reactive antibody response to Desmoglein 1. The desmogleins are a family of cadherins consisting of proteins which […]

On average, 20% of all cats worldwide are infested with fleas, and of those, 8% have flea allergy dermatitis[2]. Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most common causes of skin disease in cats that cause itching. It is a result of infestation by the cat flea parasiteCtenocephalides felis. The skin damage which occurs secondary to flea infestation […]

Atopy is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of cats that is caused by an allergy to substances in the environment that are contacted through the air, either by absorption through the respiratory tract or contact through the skin. Atopy is thought to be an inherited disease, as litermates can have concurrent atopy[1]. It can be difficult to […]

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Lysosomes 3 Causes 4 Symptoms 5 Diagnosis 6 Treatment 7 References Introduction Chediak-Higashi syndrome (Oculo-cutaneous albinism) is a lysosomal storage disease causing albinism in cats. To first understand this syndrome, it may help to understand the basics of storage disorders. Chediak-Higashi is inherited as an autosomal recessive disease. Mutations have been found in the CHS1 gene. The primary […]

Urticaria pigmentosa (‘Devon bumps’) is a relatively common skin disorder of cats, thought to be a nutritional deficiency since it responds to essential fatty acid supplements (EFAs). It is commonly reported in Devon rex and in the Sphinx cats (where a familial gene appears to be responsible)[1][2]. Pathogenesis in the cat is unknown, but may be an immune-mediated response to dietary […]