Cat Pemphigus Complications
Cat "pemphigus" also known as pemphigus complex, is a feline immune skin disease with four different forms or variations. The four variations of cat pemphigus are pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vegetans, pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus erythematosus. Each form of cat pemphigus has its own individual symptoms and should be treated by your veterinarian.
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Immune Complication
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Pemphigus is created when the cat's immune system creates antibodies to fight against the outer skin layers or epidermis. Cat pemphigus signs appear on the cat's skin as pus-containing sores, scabs, blisters and scaly skin. Pemphigus vegetans and pemphigus vulgaris can appear all over a cat's body, but pemphigus erythematosus can begin on the head and feet area and can be often misdiagnosed as pemphigus foliaceus, because the foliaceus form only remains on the cat's head and feet, whereas the erythematosus type later spreads to other parts of the cat's body, causing possible further complications.
Pemphigus Vegetans
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Although all four forms of pemphigus appear to be similar in symptoms, the pemphigus vegetans form looks slightly different: wart-type growths appear as well as the dry, scaly and blistering epidermis. These particular warts can ulcerate, possibly causing an infection if left untreated.
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Wrong Diagnosis
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Cat pemphigus complications can also arise through wrong diagnosis. There are several other types of diseases which have physical symptoms similar to cat pemphigus, including forms of lupus, skin cancers and other diseases with similar symptoms, which can affect cats.
Diagnosis & Treatment
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Diagnosing forms of pemphigus is completed by performing a simple skin biopsy and specialized tests. Treatment can take form of vaccinations and other medications. Prednisone or corticosteroid helps to control the skin symptoms on the cat, as well as a second immune suppressive medications such as azathioprine. Using these combined medications under veterinary supervision can control cat pemphigus.
Cat Types
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All cats are susceptible to further complications of cat pemphigus. This immune skin disease can affect cats of all ages and breeds, but can be a common symptom in cats aged 2 to 5 years. If treatment is not given to a cat with pemphigus, further medical complications are possible, and if symptoms become too complicated for the cat, euthanasia may be advised by a veterinarian.
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References
- Photo Credit Susan King
