Feline eosinophilic granuloma complex: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Feline eosinophilic granuloma complex (CGEF) is a dermatological syndrome with progressive development whose underlying causes are very diverse. It is manifested either by pruritic erythematous lesions or by ulcerations. Let’s take stock of this syndrome enough frequent but yet still poorly known at present and which mainly affects adult cats.
Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex or FEGC: Symptoms
The main symptoms that can raise suspicion of a feline eosinophilic granuloma complex are skin conditions of different types. The animal may exhibit one or more of the following manifestations:
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- Itchy patches on the skin,
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- Weeping lesions,
Non-pruritic eosinophilic ulcer, lateral or bilateral, especially present on the upper lip of the animal, near a fang, but can also appear on the palate, the tongue… Yellowish brown in color and shiny in appearance, it is not painful. However, it causes difficulties:
- when swallowing,
- chewing,
- hypersalivation.
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- A granuloma that appears on the outer surface of the cat’s thighs in the form of a reddish-gray, hairless bulge of skin,
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- More or less severe itching, mainly on the thighs and stomach.
Depending on the case, plaques and lesions can intensify or on the contrary disappear spontaneously.
CGEF: diagnosis and treatment
THE diagnostic feline eosinophilic granuloma complex can only be confirmed or ruled out following a cytological examination. The principle is simple. It consists of a skin layer that the veterinarian performs on lesions in order to look for the existence of eosinophils, leukocytes (white blood cells) involved either in the event of parasitismor in case ofallergy. The skin layer also makes it possible to observe the intracellular bacteria just like the degenerated neutrophils (other leukocytes) and to check their number. The veterinarian also performs a histological analysis by performing a scraping or biopsy to confirm his diagnosis with certainty.
Diagnosing a CGEF is not enough because to set up a care protocol adapted on a case-by-case basis. It is essential toaccurately identify the underlying cause feline eosinophilic granuloma complex. The veterinarian must therefore take into account the localization of lesions as well as form of the syndromenamely whether it manifests in patches, in the form of a granuloma or even an ulcer.
THE supported systematically begins with the administration of a radical flea treatment as a preventive measure since allergy to flea bites is the main cause of allergic dermatitis in cats. At the same time, the animal first receives a symptomatic treatment which rests on the corticosteroid therapy.
In some cases, the choice falls on antibioticsespecially in case of bacterial superinfection and if the cat suffers from a rebellious form of CGEF, a corticosteroid which includes dexamethasone for its anti-inflammatory effect. If the animal’s condition improves, the chosen protocol is maintained until the symptoms disappear.
In the absence of improvement, the treatment is modified since it is then based on the short-term prescription of corticosteroids to prevent the reappearance of the lesions but also to treat those in progress. In some cats, immunosuppressants are prescribed. Note that some antihistamines can replace corticosteroids, while for other cats, the veterinarian may opt for essential fatty acids but these require a long-term grip before you can see a convincing result.
Anyway, at thediscontinuation of treatmentif the CGEF recidivisma food allergy test is systematically carried out. When the results are negative, additional type examinations skin tests are carried out in order to carry out a desensitization if necessary.
Of the regular check-ups are required thereafter. But if it is impossible to move, it is advisable for the cat’s master to photograph the lesions every 8 to 12 days and send them to the veterinarian so that he can objectively follow their evolution.
Feline eosinophilic granuloma complex: prevention
We can effectively act preventively against feline eosinophilic granuloma complex by conducting a relentless fight against external parasites. Preventive and curative treatments against fleas must therefore be used regularly. At the same time, the affected animal can receive a homeopathic treatment minimizing the symptoms of CGEF.
Capable of causing chronic conditions by dint of relapsesthis dermatological syndrome is quite difficult to treat permanently. It is therefore strongly recommended to also avoid any accumulation of immune system stimuli by opting for a diet free of allergens or hypoallergenic food. This precaution can significantly reduce the process of hypersensitivity in cats.
