Feline pemphigus foliaceus: original case series and a comprehensive literature review
Petra Bizikova1,2, Amanda Burrows3
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA. pbiziko@ncsu.edu.
Background:
Since the first description of feline pemphigus foliaceus (PF) more than 30 years ago, numerous case reports have been published, while larger case series have remained rare. This large body of information, if extrapolated, could address clinical discrepancies and expand our knowledge about the treatment of feline PF. This manuscript reviews cases of feline PF published between 1950 and 2016 and adds additional 35 original cases to provide further insight into the clinical aspect and treatment outcome of this disease.
Results:
Feline PF, while being a primary acantholytic pustular dermatosis, presents most often with crusts and erosions that predominantly affect the face and feet. More than half of cats with active disease exhibits non-dermatological signs such as lethargy, fever and/or anorexia. The prognosis of feline PF is good as the majority of cats rapidly achieve disease control even with the most basic treatment such as glucocorticoid monotherapy. Most PF-affected cats, however, require long-term treatment and, like other autoimmune diseases, feline PF has a tendency to relapse spontaneously or with treatment changes.
Conclusions:
Therefore, despite the overall good prognosis cats with PF can be given, owners should be informed and prepared for these circumstances, which may reduce the risk of euthanasia in the case of disease relapse, and improve treatment compliance.
Insights
Feline pemphigus foliaceus (PF) often presents with facial and foot crusts, and can cause systemic signs. While prognosis is good with treatment, long-term management and owner education are crucial for managing relapses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Autoimmune Diseases in Cats
Background:
- Feline pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune skin disease with many published case reports but few large series.
- This study reviews historical cases and adds new data to better understand feline PF's clinical presentation and treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate existing literature and present new case data on feline pemphigus foliaceus.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical aspects and treatment results for feline PF.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of feline pemphigus foliaceus cases published between 1950 and 2016.
- Inclusion of 35 original cases to augment the dataset for analysis.
Main Results:
- Feline PF typically manifests as crusts and erosions on the face and feet, often accompanied by systemic signs like lethargy and anorexia.
- The prognosis for feline PF is generally good, with most cats responding well to treatments like glucocorticoid monotherapy.
- Long-term treatment is usually necessary, and feline PF is prone to spontaneous relapses or relapses triggered by treatment adjustments.
Conclusions:
- Owners of cats with feline PF require thorough education regarding the chronic nature of the disease and potential relapses.
- Informed owners are better prepared for long-term management, potentially reducing euthanasia rates and improving treatment adherence.
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