Category: Uncategorized

  • Viral diseases

    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

    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

    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

    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 […]

  • Flea allergy dermatitis

    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

    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 […]

  • Chediak-Higashi syndrome

    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

    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 […]

  • Cutaneous asthenia

    Cutaneous asthenia are a group of syndromes characterized by defects in collagen production. This results in a variety of clinical signs, including loose, hyperextensible, fragile skin; joint laxity; and other connective tissue dysfunctions. These collagen defects have been described in cats (Himalayan and Domestic shorthair). The mode of inheritance has been demonstrated for Himalayan cats (recessive) and […]

  • Hereditary greasy seborrhoea

    Hereditary greasy seborrhhoea is an hereditary skin disease of cats. This autosomal recessive condition has been described in Persian, Himalayan and Exotic shorthair breeds in North America[1]. There appears to be no sec predilection with this disease, which often manifests from 2-3 months of age. In affected cats, there is a greasy, matted appearance to coat with keratosebaceous deposits on the skin and […]