Eosinophilic Granuloma

This condition is sometimes called a “rodent ulcer” and is a chronic inflammation that affects the lips, oral mucosa, and skin of the cat. Many times lesions will be located at points where a tooth contacts the lip. The condition can also occur elsewhere on the body, including the back legs and paw pads. This condition usually starts as a reddened patch and progresses to become a thickened ulcerated or scabbed area. Lesions can become quite severe in a short period of time and involve a rather large area.

There are several forms of the disease. Each is diagnosed by biopy, in which a small piece of skin in the affected area is surgically removed and sent to a pathologist for evaluation. Several other disease conditions can cause similar symptoms as well. The lesions may progress to a form of skin cancer.

Treatment may involve surgical removal and/or medical treatment. Medical treatment may involve long lasting cortisone injections or oral cortisone-like drugs, ointments, and hormones. Sometimes allergies are part of the problem, especially allergies to foods the cat eats, so a hypoallergenic diet may be recommended by your cat’s veterinarian. Eosinophilic granuloma is a frustrating disease for pet owners, as the cause of this complex of diseases is not well understood and treatment may be long-term and slow to take affect. Be patient and work closely with your veterinarian to assure the best outcome for your cat.