Issue number 28.1 Other Scientific
Feline pemphigus foliaceus
Published 13/08/2020
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Most of us do not see pemphigus foliaceus on a daily basis in our feline patients, but we need to know about it; this disease is a challenge in terms of its diagnosis and treatment, and relapse is not uncommon, as the authors explain.
Key Points
Pemphigus foliaceus is a rare autoimmune skin disease that can affect many species.
Although clinical symptoms can vary, affected cats typically develop pustules and crusts on the face, inner pinnae and paw pads, along with paronychia.
Definitive diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical history, characteristic lesions and correlating histopathology.
Long-term treatment with immunosuppressive drugs is often required; this can be frustrating due to cost, recurrence of the illness, and possible adverse effects of the medication.