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Feline eosinophilic granuloma complex includes three types of lesions:  

Feline eosinophilic granuloma complex includes three types of lesions:  

#Eosinophilic '''ulcer''' which present as a well circumscribed, erythematous ulcer on the lip or oral mucosa of middle-aged cats  

#Eosinophilic or rodent '''ulcers''' which present as a well circumscribed, erythematous ulcer on the lip or oral mucosa of middle-aged cats  

#Eosinophilic '''plaques''' which present as raised erythematous lesions on the skin of the medial thighs and abdomen  

#Eosinophilic '''plaques''' which present as raised erythematous lesions on the skin of the medial thighs and abdomen  

#Eosinophilic '''granuloma''' which present on the posterior aspect of the rear legs of young cats and also found on the [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]], [[Hard Palate|hard palate]] and oral mucosa.

#Eosinophilic or linear '''granuloma''' which present on the posterior aspect of the rear legs of young cats and also found on the [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]], [[Hard Palate|hard palate]] and oral mucosa.

Eosinophilic granulomas of the '''oral cavity''' appear as '''yellow/pink raised linear lesions'''. They can also occur on the soft palate, or the base of the tongue. Cats with eosinophilic lesions of the mouth often have concurrent skin lesions.  

Eosinophilic granulomas of the '''oral cavity''' appear as '''yellow/pink raised linear lesions'''. They can also occur on the soft palate, or the base of the tongue. Cats with eosinophilic lesions of the mouth often have concurrent skin lesions.  

== Clinical Signs ==

== Clinical Signs ==

Depending on site of lesion can include dysphagia, halitosis and anorexia.  

Depending on site of lesion can include dysphagia, halitosis and anorexia. Eosinophilic plaque lesions are intensely pruritic.  

== Diagnosis ==

== Diagnosis ==

An ulcerated mass may be found at the base of the tongue or on the hard palate, the glossopalatine arches or anywhere else in the mouth as described above. On laboratory tests, a peripheral blood [[Eosinophilia|eosinophilia]] may be present.  

Impression smears: Eosinophilic plaques exfoliate easily and eosinophils predominate the sample.

A deep biopsy specimen of the mass is required for a definitive diagnosis.  

A deep biopsy specimen of the mass is required for a definitive diagnosis.  

== Pathology ==

== Pathology ==

Grossly, there are raised plaques, erythematous, pruritic, erosed or ulcerated areas.  

Grossly, there are raised plaques, erythematous, pruritic, erosed or ulcerated areas.  

Microscopically, acanthosis, spongiosis, erosions or ulceration, predominantly eosinophilic dermatitis, possibly areas of collagen degeneration can all be found.

Microscopically, acanthosis, spongiosis, erosions or ulceration, predominantly eosinophilic dermatitis, possibly areas of collagen degeneration can all be found.

== Treatment ==

== Treatment ==

Initial medical treatment is to control any ectoparasites. Secondly a diet trial and skin testing may be carried out to rule out food allergy and atopy. If there is evidence of a bacterial infection [[Antibiotics|antibiotics]] are necessary.  

Initial medical treatment is to control any ectoparasites. Secondly a diet trial and intradermal allergy testing may be carried out to rule out food allergy and atopy. If there is evidence of a bacterial infection [[Antibiotics|antibiotics]] are necessary.  

If the patient is refractory to the above [[Steroids|Corticosteroid]] should be administered. Treatment should be tapered gradually once a response is seen then discontinued once signs have completely disappeared.  

If the patient is refractory to the above [[Steroids|Corticosteroid]] should be administered. Treatment should be tapered gradually once a response is seen then discontinued once signs have completely disappeared.  

== Prognosis ==

== Prognosis ==

Good but the lesion can recur.  

Good if the allergy is identified and addressed. Otherwise the lesion can recur and lifelong steroid treatment may be necessary.  

 

== Literature Search ==

== Literature Search ==

Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine''' (Fourth Edition) Mosby Elsevier.  

Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine''' (Fourth Edition) Mosby Elsevier.  

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[[Category:Integumentary_System_-_Pathology]] [[Category:Oral_Cavity_and_Gingiva_-_Pathology]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Cat]] [[Category:Dermatological_Diseases_-_Cat]] [[Category:Expert_Review - Small Animal]] [[Category:Allergic_Skin_Diseases]]

[[Category:Integumentary_System_-_Pathology]] [[Category:Oral_Cavity_and_Gingiva_-_Pathology]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Cat]] [[Category:Dermatological_Diseases_-_Cat]] [[Category:Expert_Review - Small Animal]] [[Category:Allergic_Skin_Diseases]]