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Recurrent localised cutaneous parapoxvirus infection in three cats
R A Fairley1, E M Whelan, P A Pesavento
1Gribbles Veterinary Laboratory, PO Box 3866, Christchurch, New Zealand. rob.fairley@gribbles.co.nz
New Zealand Veterinary Journal
|August 12, 2008
Summary
Parapoxvirus infection, specifically orf virus, caused non-healing, proliferative foot lesions in three cats. This diagnosis should be considered for cats with similar persistent skin issues, especially in rural environments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Viral Pathology
Background:
- Investigating causes of persistent, non-healing proliferative lesions on feline feet.
- Evaluating differential diagnoses for refractory podal conditions in cats.
Observation:
- Three cats presented with recurrent, proliferative, and papillary foot lesions unresponsive to medical and surgical treatments.
- Histopathology revealed marked acanthosis, bacterial presence in orthokeratotic scale, and keratinocyte changes.
- Electron microscopy and PCR confirmed parapoxvirus, specifically orf virus (contagious ecthyma virus), in all affected cats.
Findings:
- Parapoxvirus infection identified as the causative agent of proliferative podal lesions in cats.
- Orf virus detected via PCR in two cases and successfully cultured from one feline patient.
- Microscopic examination showed characteristic poxviral changes including intracytoplasmic inclusions.
Implications:
- Parapoxvirus infection is a crucial differential diagnosis for proliferative, non-healing feline foot lesions, particularly in rural cats.
- This finding expands the known host range of orf virus to include domestic cats.
- Highlights the importance of considering viral etiologies in complex dermatological cases in veterinary medicine.
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