Cutaneous Hypersensitivity Dermatoses in the Feline Patient: A Review of Allergic Skin Disease in Cats.

Alison Diesel

doi:10.3390/vetsci4020025

Abstract

Feline allergic skin disease presents a unique set of challenges to the veterinary practitioner. Although there is some similarity to what is seen in the allergic canine patient, cutaneous hypersensitivity dermatoses in cats can manifest with strikingly different clinical signs, treatment options and outcomes, and secondary complications/disease entities. Additionally, less is known about the pathogenesis of feline allergic skin diseases, particularly “feline atopic syndrome” when compared to dogs or people. This article aims to review what is currently known in regards to allergic skin disease in the feline patient, with focus on non-flea, non-food hypersensitivity dermatitis.

Highlights

It is often noted throughout the veterinary profession that cats are not small dogs, this fact becomes apparent with regards to the manifestation of feline dermatological abnormalities
This article aims to review what is currently known in regards to allergic skin diseases in the feline patient with particular focus on non-flea, Vet
Dorsal lumbosacral pruritus with miliary dermatitis is noted most commonly with flea bite hypersensitivity [1] other reaction patterns may be observed, leading to difficulty distinguishing between strictly Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) and other hypersensitivity diseases in the feline patient

Summary

Introduction

It is often noted throughout the veterinary profession that cats are not small dogs, this fact becomes apparent with regards to the manifestation of feline dermatological abnormalities. Cats present a unique clinical entity in terms of their manifestation of inflammatory skin disease, the cutaneous hypersensitivity dermatoses. Feline cutaneous reaction patterns are often indicative of underlying allergic skin disease, other differentials need to be considered prior to arriving at a diagnosis of allergy. This should include parasitic and infectious etiologies commonly; based on history, other clinical signs present, and core dermatologic diagnostics, other differentials including genetic and neoplastic conditions may necessitate consideration. This article aims to review what is currently known in regards to allergic skin diseases in the feline patient with particular focus on non-flea, Vet. Sci. A brief discussion of flea bite hypersensitivity (as well as other insect bite allergies) and food induced hypersensitivity dermatitis is presented within

Flea Bite Hypersensitivity and Other Insect Bite Allergies

Mosquito Bite Hypersensitivity

Findings

Conclusions