Figure 6: Diagnosing Allergic Skin Disease in the Feline Patient

Figure 6 shows an algorithm for diagnosing allergic skin diseases in cats, which consists of the following steps:

Clinical History and Dermatologic Physical Examination
A detailed history, including a review of previous medical records, should be obtained. Information regarding seasonality, pruritus level, ectoparasite prevention, and response to previous therapies are all paramount in the workup of the pruritic cat. A complete physical examination, including flea combing and otoscopic examination, should be performed. Remember to assess the oral cavity for granulomas and indolent ulcers.
Minimum Dermatologic Database
A minimum dermatologic database should be collected based on reaction patterns, to include skin cytology, skin scrapings, ear cytology (if ear disease is present), and DTM (Dermatophyte Test Medium) culture if indicated.
Treat Pruritus
This is a key aspect of managing both the patient’s and pet caregiver’s quality of life and should be treated during the diagnostic period.
Treat Secondary Infections and Ectoparasites
Secondary bacterial and yeast infections and otitis externa must be treated concurrently with controlling pruritus and diagnosing the underlying allergic disease. It is essential to rule out external parasites (i.e., fleas and mites) in all cases of feline pruritus. Prescribe a flea preventive and discuss compliance with the client.
Recheck, Verify Medication, and Assess Response to Treatment
Flea preventives should be continued year-round in flea-endemic areas. A skin biopsy is recommended in cases with atypical lesions to rule out other pruritic dermatoses.
Diet Trial
Diet trials should be conducted for 4-12 weeks and a food challenge performed to confirm the diagnosis if there is a positive response.

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Figure 6 Diagram

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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

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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.