[Written by a Veterinarian] What is Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Home Care

Are you familiar with a disease called feline eosinophilic granuloma complex? It is a condition where eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, are involved in causing various skin symptoms. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of feline eosinophilic granuloma complex.

What is feline eosinophilic granuloma complex?

What are eosinophils?

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that increases in response to allergies and parasitic infections. They also play a role in suppressing inflammation. However, if there are too many of them, they can attack normal tissues and cause inflammation.

What kind of disease is eosinophilic granuloma complex?

Eosinophilic granuloma complex can cause ulcers in a cat's mouth or sores accompanied by hair loss on the skin. It is divided into three types: eosinophilic ulcers, eosinophilic plaques, and eosinophilic granulomas.

While it is believed that allergies, parasitic infections, and bacterial infections may be causes of this disease, the exact cause is not fully understood.

Main symptoms and visual characteristics of eosinophilic granuloma complex

Eosinophilic ulcers

These often form on the upper lip. Sometimes it may look like a piece of the lip is missing. They are also called indolent ulcers because cats are often not very bothered by them. In addition to the lips, ulcers can also form on the chin or tongue.

Eosinophilic plaques

These are commonly seen on the abdomen or neck. They appear as red, hairless, and oozing patches. Because they are very itchy, cats will frequently lick or scratch them, which can worsen the infection and sores.

Eosinophilic granulomas

These appear as linear raised areas of skin on the thighs, flanks, or inside the mouth. These areas are hairless and the skin feels firm.

Major causes and triggers of eosinophilic granuloma complex

Connection to allergies (food allergies/environmental allergies)

The primary cause of eosinophilic granuloma complex is believed to be allergies. Allergies to meat, dairy products, house dust, mold, or pollen can all be contributing factors.

External parasite infections such as fleas and mites

Infections with external parasites like fleas and mites also serve as a cause of allergies, which can then trigger eosinophilic granuloma complex.

In addition to external parasites, insect bites and bacterial infections can also trigger the condition.

Potential involvement of immune abnormalities and stress

Eosinophilic granuloma complex is a skin disease caused by an increase in eosinophils, which are immune cells. When there is immune dysfunction or stress, the immune system may fail to regulate these cells, potentially triggering the condition.

Diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic granuloma complex

Visual inspection, blood tests, skin tests, and histopathology

Because the skin lesions of eosinophilic granuloma complex are distinct, visual inspection is very important. We check the areas of hair loss and ulcers, and look for the presence of external parasites like fleas and mites.

Blood tests are used to check for an increase in blood eosinophils or to identify allergy triggers.

Skin tests are also crucial; a glass slide is pressed against the affected area to examine the cells present.

Symptoms like hair loss can also be caused by skin tumors or other skin diseases. If a diagnosis is difficult, we may collect a skin sample for histopathological examination.

Steroid treatment and immunosuppressive therapy

Treatment for eosinophilic granuloma complex involves the use of steroids to suppress inflammation and itching. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be used concurrently. If symptoms cannot be controlled with steroids alone, immunosuppressants may also be used.

Allergen elimination and external parasite control

If a food allergy is suspected, the cat's diet will be changed to one suitable for allergy management.

If flea allergy is suspected, antiparasitic medication will be used even if no fleas are found. We typically use products that can prevent both fleas and mites with a single dose.

Tips for recurrence prevention and home care

Thorough flea and mite prevention

Since flea and mite allergies can cause eosinophilic granuloma complex, it is recommended to provide year-round parasite prevention for cats with this condition.

Review diet and manage allergens

In cases of food allergy, it is important to switch to a diet where the allergen has been eliminated. Be sure to use prescription therapeutic diets provided by your veterinarian rather than over-the-counter options.

Maintain a living environment that reduces stress

Stress can disrupt the regulation of the immune system, leading not only to lowered immunity but also to overreaction. To avoid stress, create a place where your cat can retreat and provide a quiet area. Ensure they have access to fresh water and food, and keep their litter box clean.

Make regular checks of the skin and mouth a habit

While eosinophilic granuloma complex improves with treatment, it is a condition that tends to recur. Especially since lesions in the mouth are often painless, make it a habit to check your cat frequently.

See a veterinarian promptly if you notice symptoms

Differentiation from other diseases with similar symptoms (tumors or infections) is necessary

Eosinophilic granuloma complex can often be identified to some extent by how the lesions appear. However, if there is a secondary infection, it can be difficult to judge. Furthermore, skin tumors like malignant lymphoma, mast cell tumors, or squamous cell carcinoma can create similar lesions, so a differential diagnosis is necessary.

Leaving it untreated can cause worsening. Early diagnosis is important.

Eosinophilic granuloma complex can be accompanied by intense itching. If the cat licks or scratches due to itching, a secondary bacterial infection may occur, leading to severe dermatitis. Once this happens, it may take time for the condition to heal completely. Early diagnosis and early treatment are crucial.

Summary

Eosinophilic granuloma complex is a skin disease mainly caused by allergies. Because it tends to recur frequently, preventative measures at home, such as flea and mite control and allergy management, are vital. Since tumors can also cause similar lesions, please visit a veterinarian as soon as you notice any abnormalities.