Pemphigus Foliaceus in Cats

Pemphigus foliaceus is a severe skin disease caused when a cat's immune system identifies a component of its skin as foreign and makes antibodies against it. The outer layer of skin splits and fills with fluid, causing blisters and pustules.

Highest Risk

Middle aged and older cats are more prone to the condition, and aggressive treatment is vital, as this disease has a severe health impact on the animal. Animals in advanced stages may be very ill, often refusing to eat.

Symptoms

Blisters and pustules appear on the face and ears first, often rupturing and crusting over. If left untreated, they will spread to the legs and torso before covering the rest of the body.

Diagnosis

A skin biopsy can confirm the disease, preferably from an intact pustule.

Treatment

Immunosuppressive drugs, antibiotics and topical steriods effectively treat the disease, depending upon the condition's severity and progress.

Prevention/Solution

Because this condition is a result of an abnormality of the cat's immune system, there is no known prevention.

References

• Pet Place