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What is
an eosinophil:
A
type of white blood cell that participates in allergic
reactions and helps to fight certain parasitic infections. What
is a granuloma:
A
granuloma is an
inflammatory lesion containing granulocytes. What
is Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex & what are the symptoms?
Eosinophilic
granuloma complex is a commonly observed in which a group of
skin lesions affect the cat, mostly on the mouth, face &
skin. There are three different lesions.
-
Indolent
ulcer (also known as eosinophilic ulcer or rodent ulcer):
This affects cats of all breeds & ages, although is
seen three times as often in females as it is in males.
Lesions most often occur on the upper lip (around the
middle area), but can also be
observed on the tongue. They appear as a raised,
thickened red/brown ulcer which is well defined &
glistening. Generally while they may look so, they are not
painful to the cat.
-
Eosinophilic
plaque: Once again, this is seen in cats of any breed or
sex. The lesion can appear on any part of the body, but
most often are seen on the abdomen or thighs. They appear
as red, well defined, raised, hairless lesions which may
be ulcerated.
-
Eosinophilic
granuloma. (Also known as Linear granuloma or
Collagenolytic granuloma): This is more commonly seen
in males than females, and teenage cats (under 1 year of
age) are most often affected. Commonly seen on the back
legs lesions (although they can appear anywhere, appear
as long, straight, thin lines which are raised &
inflamed, and pinkish-yellowish in colour. Distribution on
the face is seen as swellings & nodules on the bottom
lip & the cat has a "fat chinned" pout.
Footpads may also be affected by eosinophilic granuloma.
What
causes eosinophilic granuloma complex?
No one cause
has been found for eosinophilic granuloma complex. It has been
suggested it is a reaction to flea bite hypersensitivity, food
hypersensitivity or inhalant allergy.
The
eosinophil's job is to attack parasites. It is attracted to
areas where parasites occur & once there, it will release
biochemicals to destroy the parasite. In cats with
eosinophilic granuloma complex, eosinophils are called to the
site of an allergic response & the biochemicals cause
damage to the local collagen.
How is it
diagnosed?
Visual
examination of the ulcers will be performed by your
veterinarian. How
is it treated?
If
it is at all possible, identify the underlying cause &
treat accordingly.
If lesions
are unresponsive, surgical excision or antibiotics may be
tried.
If the cause
is believed to be caused by flea bite hypersensitivity, food
allergies or inhalant allergies flea control, hypersensitization
or feeding a hypoallergenic diet may be recommended.
References:
The
Cornell Book of Cats. Maristavet
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a
veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice. |
