Autoimmune Skin Disease in Cats

Feline autoimmune diseases are conditions caused by the cat's immune system attacking the body as though it were diseased. Autoimmune diseases can manifest in many different ways, however the skin is commonly affected. The only way to treat autoimmune skin diseases in cats is to suppress the immune system by using both oral and injectable glococorticosteroids. Autoimmune skin diseases usually manifest with hair loss, reddened skin, ulcers and dandruff. Special care must be taken to prevent infection.

  1. Pemphigus Foliaceus

    • Pemphigus is a term used to describe three different autoimmune skin conditions in cats, the first of which is pemphigus foliaceus. Cats with pemphigus foliaceus will blister all over their bodies due to the deposit of autoantibodies, or proteins manufactured by the body to attack the skin, on the outermost layer of skin. Along with blistering, cats with pemphigus foliaceus will also have overgrown and cracked foot pads and fluid-filled cysts on the skin. Symptoms usually begin around the head and ears, but will quickly spread all over the body. Other than the occasional non-specific symptoms such as lethargy, fever and depression and the obvious skin lesions, the cat will be in good health.

    Pemphigus Erythematosus

    • Pemphigus erythematosus presents similarly; however, the blisters are not as widespread or as populous. Blistering is usually confined to the head, ears and feet, especially around the nail beds and pads. Occasionally the cat will suffer from loss of color in his or her lips.

    Pemphigus Vulgaris

    • Pemphigus vulgaris is extremely dangerous and the disease produces deep ulcers in the skin. This is because the autoantibodies are embedded much more deeply into the skin. Cats with pemphigus vulgaris oftentimes struggle with infection because of the severity of the ulcers.

    Treatment

    • Treatment options for cats with pemphigus are limited. In most cases, the skin lesions are treated to prevent infection. Cats with open wounds are routinely treated with antibiotics and may receive antibiotic treatment on an ongoing basis to prevent opportunistic infection as the immune system is suppressed. All cats with pemphigus receive steroid treatment to control the symptoms associated with the condition.

    Prognosis

    • Pemphigus can and usually will go into remission, only to recur again at a later time. During periods of remission the cat will live a normal symptom- and treatment-free life. Cats with pemphigus should be kept indoors and direct exposure to sunlight should be limited. Regardless of whether or not the disease is active or in remission, regular veterinary visits are vital to maintaining the health of the cat.