Feline atopic syndrome Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is encompassed by the term “feline atopic syndrome”
The term feline atopic syndrome encompasses a variety of allergic diseases in cats
These disorders include:
- allergic dermatitis
- asthma/respiratory diseases
- gastrointestinal diseases
They may be associated with a hypersensitivity to environmental allergens and foods, and which may coexist with flea allergy dermatitis
What are the cutaneous reaction patterns of the majority of cats with feline atopiv skin syndrome
The majority of cats with FASS typically present with one or more cutaneous reaction patterns
These include:
- miliary dermatitis
- self-inflicted alopecia/hypotrichosis
- head and neck pruritus
- eosinophilic granuloma complex
What is essential to perform before starting diagnostics for FASS
Because of the striking clinical similarities between FASS and food allergy, it is essential to perform a strict food trial to identify and/or rule out a diagnosis of food allergy in cats before starting diagnostics for FASS
When would allergen-specific serology or intradermal testing be appropriate
After infections have been controlled, and ectoparasites and adverse food reactions have been eliminated
Which treatment combination would be most aappropriate for chronic relapsing eosinophilic plaques in association with atopic dermatitis
Ciclosporin, allergen-specific immunotherapy and flea control
How can you prove to an owner that the alopecia is self-inflected by the overgrooming cat
It can be proven in two ways:
- trichogram
- the E-collar test
What are the 3 main infectious organisms associated with pruritus in cats
Dermatophytes
Staphylococci
Yeast (particularly Malassezia)
With the exception of dermatophytosis, infectious causes of pruritus in cats are often secondary
What is the purpose of hypersensitivity testing
The true purpose of hypersensitivity testing is to identify potential allergenic triggers so that they can be avoided or desensitization can be attempted
What is the most common lesion encountered with flea bite hypersensitivity
Dorsal lumbosacral pruritus with miliary dermatitis
What is the main difference between cats and dogs when regarding ears involvement in atopic dermatitis
Although pinnal pruritus is a fairly common manifestation of feline NFNFHD, the ear canals themselves are frequently normal in appearance
- this is in contrast to atopic dogs who frequently present with erythematosus otitis externa secondary to allergic disease
Some cats with NFNFHD will present with recurrent, ceruminous otitis externa, often in the absence of infectious organisms (i.e., bacteria and yeast)
