Autoimmune Skin Disease (Pemphigus) in Cats - Causes, Treatment and Associated Conditions

Key takeaways

Pemphigus refers to a group of autoimmune skin diseases in cats that differ in severity and location on the body.

The most common forms are pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, and pemphigus erythematosus, although the condition is rare overall
Pemphigus is likely caused by genetic factors, but certain drugs, sunlight, and chronic skin inflammation may also trigger the disease
Common clinical signs include scabs, fluid filled blisters, pimple-like lesions, erosions, or ulcerations within the skin, and hair loss around the affected area
Pemphigus is typically diagnosed through a complete physical evaluation, skin biopsy and sometimes skin cytology
Typical treatment consists immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids
Patients usually require long-term therapy, sometimes for the remainder of life

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A closer look: Autoimmune Skin Disease (Pemphigus) in Cats

Pemphigus is a rare disease that affects dogs more often than cats. The most common form is pemphigus foliaceus. Prognosis varies according to the type of pemphigus present. Pemphigus vulgaris is the rarest and most dangerous form. Most patients with other types of pemphigus recover with treatment and long term therapy. Early detection of the type of pemphigus affecting the patient might lead to a better prognosis and more efficient treatment.

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Risk factors

Different types of pemphigus lead to similar symptoms that differ in severity and location on the body.

Pemphigus foliaceus appears to affect the head, face, and ears though it might become widespread over time. Pemphigus erythematosus is similar in appearance to the foliaceus form but is generally milder. Pemphigus vulgaris is the rarest and most serious type. It typically affects the mouth and the eyes and causes vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) that often rupture causing painful ulcerations.

Underlying causes are not always known, so risk factors for this condition are not well understood. Factors such as chronic skin diseases, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, might influence the development of pemphigus. Exposure to UV radiation may contribute to development of pemphigus so outdoor cats may be at higher risk. Genetic predisposition is suggested in some cases.

Possible causes

Genetic factors might be one of the potential causes of pemphigus. Another possible cause is exposure to ultraviolet light.

Some drugs are also linked to the development of pemphigus. Sometimes, the underlying cause cannot be determined.

Main symptoms

Clinical signs vary according to the type of pemphigus present. The type of lesion and their locations vary according to the form pemphigus takes. In general, all forms show some type of skin lesions.

Some forms also show hair loss in affected areas.

Testing and diagnosis

The diagnostic process involves a complete physical examination with particular emphasis on the skin. Skin biopsy is usually also necessary. Cytology of the skin might also be required to eliminate the possibility of a bacterial infection.

Steps to Recovery

Treatment generally consists of immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids. Antibiotics may also be required for underlying or secondary bacterial infections Patients usually require long term, sometimes lifelong, therapy. Pemphigus also tends to recur so frequent checks are suggested even after successful treatment.

Prognosis varies according to the form.

Pemphigus vulgaris has generally a poorer prognosis than the other forms and might be fatal even with treatment..

Prevention

Pemphigus is not contagious. Among the causes for the development as well as worsening of clinical signs of pemphigus is exposure to ultraviolet light, so keeping cats inside as much as possible may prevent them from developing pemphigus. Determining an underlying cause may help in prevention (for example, avoiding certain drugs), but overall pemphigus is difficult to prevent as underlying causes are infrequently identified.

Is Autoimmune Skin Disease (Pemphigus) in Cats common?

Pemphigus is generally regarded as a rare disease. In cats, it is even rarer than in dogs. The most common form is pemphigus foliaceus, the rarest is the vulgaris type.