Figure 5: Clinical Presentation of the Feline Patient

Four distinct clinical patterns of allergic dermatitis have been described in the cat: miliary dermatitis, head and neck pruritus, self-induced alopecia, and eosinophilic granuloma complex (eosinophilic plaques, granulomas, and indolent ulcers). Figure 5 shows images of each of these clinical patterns.

Pruritus, from mild to severe, is typically present in cats with allergic dermatitis, whether due to food allergy, flea allergy, and/or FASS (environmental allergies). Exceptions include indolent ulcers or eosinophilic granulomas, which can occur without pruritus.

None of the feline cutaneous reaction patterns are pathognomonic for any particular pruritic disease, emphasizing the need to perform a thorough diagnostic workup, including an accurate clinical history, dermatologic physical examination, and a minimum dermatologic database. Atypical or non–treatment-responsive lesions may require a skin biopsy for definitive diagnosis.

Download a PDF of Figure 5

Figure 5 Diagram

Photos courtesy of Andrew Simpson, DVM, MS, DACVD

Home

Guidelines Contributors

Introduction

Figure 1: Diagnosing Allergic Skin Disease in the Canine Patient

Table 1: Antipruritic and Anti-inflammatory Medications for Dogs

Table 2: Acute Flare and Long-term Management Therapies in Dogs

Table 3: Oral Antihistamine Doses for Dogs

Figure 4: Assessing Diet Trial Results

Table 4: Antimicrobials for Skin Infections in Dogs

Table 5: Oral Antifungal Medication Doses for Dogs

Figure 5: Clinical Presentation of the Feline Patient

Figure 6: Diagnosing Allergic Skin Disease in the Feline Patient

Table 6: Antipruritic and Anti-inflammatory Medications for Cats

Table 7: Acute Flare and Long-term Management Therapies in Cats

Table 8: Oral Antihistamine Doses for Cats

Reformulated Topical Medications for Management of Allergic Otitis Externa

Figure 7: Flowchart of Technician Utilization for Allergic Skin Diseases

Figure 8: Client Communication Flow Chart for Treatment Plans

10 Key Messaging Points When Talking to Clients

Resource Center

Developing the Guidelines

The 2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines are generously supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merck Animal Health, and Zoetis.