How Can Changing Your Cats Diet Help
The first step in diagnosing eosinophilic granuloma or rodent ulcer is to rule out other causes for the ulcers. Your veterinarian will want to make sure that your cats problems arent being caused by a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection. Some of the diagnostic tests your veterinarian may perform during diagnosis may include:
- Internal organ function tests
- FeLV and FIV test
- Fungal culture test
If all of these tests are negative, your veterinarian will move on to discussing potential treatment options for rodent ulcers. The most common treatments for eosinophilic granuloma are steroids or antibiotics, maybe both. Though bacteria may not be directly involved in causing rodent ulcers, secondary bacterial infections are very common and should be treated as well.
If youre wondering about at-home treatment for rodent ulcer, however, there may be some options for you to consider. First and foremost, youll want to identify the trigger that caused your cat to develop a negative reaction. Once youve identified it, all you need to do is prevent your dog from coming into contact with it in the future and then take steps to heal his ulcers and restore proper health. If your cats issues are caused by a food allergy or sensitivity, changing your cats diet could help with treatment.
So, what role does diet play in restoring your cats health?
Rodent Ulcer And Indolent Ulcer
Rodent or indolent ulcers are frequently found on the upper lip over the canine tooth. These lesions are painful and have a characteristic ‘scooped-out’ appearance. The surrounding skin is often erythematous and there may be some scaling present. They can range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter.
What Are The Signs Of Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
The most common site for these lesions is on the lips, especially the upper lip, where they appear as ulcers. They are sometimes referred to as rodent ulcers although this term is technically incorrect. The lesions range from small and barely noticeable ulcers to large and extensive ulcers that disfigure the lips. Bleeding occurs from some lesions.
Eosinophilic granulomas may also develop in the mouth, especially along the gums and palate, or on other areas of the body. When lesions form in other locations they usually appear as bald patches with raised areas of reddened skin rather than an ulcer. These lesions are often called eosinophilic plaques. Common sites are the hind legs and the stomach. The lesions can be large and may be itchy, as cats frequently lick and bite at the affected areas.
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When To Contact Your Vet
Always contact your vet if you think your cat has symptoms of eosinophilic skin disease. Left untreated, its a problem that tends to get a lot worse and is likely to make your cat miserable.
Consider insuring your cat when you get them, before any signs of illness start. This will ensure you have all the support you need to care for them.
What Diet Should I Feed My Cat That Has Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
Ideally, a good quality hypoallergenic diet should be fed to cats with this condition. A food allergy is a common underlying cause of feline eosinophilic granuloma complex. A diet trial involves feeding a novel protein and carbohydrate source to your cat for 12-16 weeks. If there is an improvement in the lesions, then this confirms that a food allergy is the root cause.
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How I Cured Alex Of Rodent Ulcer
Most veterinarians would have recommended a malady of antibiotics and steroids to cure the ulcer. However, I am a big proponent of natural pet care, and I felt that I should try several holistic remedies. Of course, I consulted friend of mine who is also a veterinarian and has been practicing integrative medicine in Indiana and he does not mind giving the occasional free advice.
To get started, I switched Alex to a new line of canned foods for cats known as Daves and abandoned Fancy Feast. I had checked it, and I found it offered a balance between natural diet and pricing. I then put him on a dose of Immune boosting supplements from Vermont Cat Chews. Those contain 250-milligram of Pet natural supplement L-Lysine, which he took a twice a day. For a natural anti-biotic, I gave home colloidal silver, which a natural mineral that has anti-biotic properties.
I also treated the sores with using some of the colloidal silver using a small spray bottle, and used organic coconut oil to dab the lesions. Moreover, I sprayed the affected areas, his water, and food using the ingenious spray product known as Epic Pet Health Repair. I noticed that the spray alleviated his discomfort upon contact, which was a big relief for me.
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex In Cats
, DVM, DACVD, University of California, Davis
This group of skin conditions affects cats, dogs, and horses. Eosinophilic granuloma complexes have varying signs but seem to be caused most commonly by an allergic hypersensitivity.
In cats, three diseases have been grouped in this complex. Eosinophilic ulcers are well-defined, red, skin ulcers that are usually not painful or itchy. They are most commonly found on the upper lip. Progression to squamous cell carcinoma is extremely rare, although it can occur. Eosinophilic plaque, a well-defined, red, raised wound, is most commonly found on the belly and thighs. It is extremely itchy, and cats will scratch and rub the affected sites. These lesions are often infected with bacteria, which usually make this condition worse. Eosinophilic granulomas are raised, circular, yellowish to pink nodules. They may be found anywhere on the body but are most common on the head, face, bridge of the nose, ears, paw pads, lips, chin, mouth, and thighs. Linear lesions are found most often on the thighs but have been seen on other body locations.
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Diagnosis Of Egc Lesions
The lesions of EGC have to be differentiated from other skin diseases such as: fungal, bacterial or viral infections skin or oral tumours abscesses and other causes of swellings. To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes, microscopic examination of tissues is required. Histological examination of tissue by a pathologist will typically show inflammation and ulceration and the presence of a large number of eosinophils . The histological appearance is quite typical for EGC, although differentiating between the different forms of EGC can be difficult .
General Information And Causes
Eosinophilic dermatitis is a severe type of skin allergy that causes eosinophils to gather at the surface of the skin and cause problems. Its a condition thats usually triggered by a reaction to something encountered in daily life, such as fleas, pollen or certain foods. Eosinophilic dermatitis can cause a variety of symptoms such as red/raised patches skin, lip ulcers and sometimes even a swollen chin! Fortunately, symptoms are usually manageable with treatment from a vet.
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How Do We Make Our Recommendations
All of the cat foods we recommend are evaluated in accordance with AAFCO food nutrient profiles which outline the minimum nutritional needs of cats in various life stages . In order to determine whether a cat food meets these requirements, just look for an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the package. It will be on the label and will look something like this: is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. After establishing that the product is complete and balanced, we go on to a more in-depth analysis of the ingredients.
Here are some of the requirements for a cat food to receive our recommendation:
- A source of high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient
- At least 30% crude protein for kittens and at least 26% for adults
- A minimum of 9% crude fat for kittens and adults
- A balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, primarily from animal sources
- A rich blend of nutrients from natural sources and supplements, as needed
- Limited carbohydrate content from digestible sources
- No low-quality fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
Treatment For Underlying Food Allergies
If your cat is already on a flea preventative and the cause is most likely a food allergy, a change in food would be most beneficial. Some cats are allergic to wheat, while many are allergic to chicken. A simple change in food could bring some much-needed relief. Your veterinarian will discuss how to go about a food allergy trial and may also write a prescription for some special food.
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What Causes Rodent Ulcers
These ulcers can develop in cats of all ages but are three times more common in females than males. The exact cause is often never known but there is evidence that points to some cats having a predisposition to developing these types of ulcers. There are also studies that point to various other causes. As of right now, veterinarians tend to treat these ulcers based on three common causes:
- Allergies: Most commonly, an allergy is present. This could be an allergy to fleas, food, or other things in the cats environment such as plastic or rubber food dishes.
- An Autoimmune Reaction: Some studies attribute the ulcers to an autoimmune reaction. This type of reaction occurs when the body considers a part of itself as a threat and the immune system attacks a portion of the body.
- Genetics: Other studies indicate that there may be some genetic origin.
In some cases, rodent ulcers have been seen in cats that have been exposed to the feline leukemia virus. This further implies that an impaired immune system may play a role in the formation of these types of ulcers. However, that does not mean that all cats with rodent ulcer have feline leukemia. It has only been observed in some cases. In any case, your cat will be tested for the feline leukemia virus.
Treatment Of Indolent Ulcers
Various treatments have been described in the literature including antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive therapies . As with most secondary implications of allergic disease, these lesions are more amenable to therapy when the primary process that drives lesion formation is addressed and controlled. As indolent ulcers have been documented to develop from flea bite hypersensitivity , flea control is a simple, effective treatment option for the flea allergic patient. All household pets should be treated for fleas, irrespective of the clinicianâs ability to prove presence of a flea infestation. Dietary elimination trials followed by controlled provocation challenge should help diagnose or rule out the presence of food allergy. Provocation challenges are preferably pursued after resolution of the lesion and infection, and are more straightforward to evaluate when a previously pruritic patient is not demonstrating pruritic behavior anymore. If indolent ulcers persist or recur despite appropriate workup, this suggests possible presence of environmental allergy . In atopic cats, intra-dermal allergy testing or serum allergy IgE testing should be conducted to identify offending allergens so that allergen specific desensitization therapy may be pursued.
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How To Prevent Rodent Ulcers
Since hypersensitivity to ectoparasites is a common cause, flea and tick medication may help . This prevention should be given on time and year-round to prevent any lapse in coverage.
Cats can also be allergic to certain animal proteins. If your cat has rodent ulcers, feeding a commercially available limited ingredient diet or prescription diet can help reduce the severity and frequency of ulcers.
How Do Cats Get Rodent Ulcer
Well, the name is quite misleading because cats dont get Rodent Ulcer from rodents. The disorder is caused by an allergic reaction to various allergens, which result in the cat having unsightly lesions that may also be painful. The lesions occur inside the mouth, around the chin and lips, and a few other parts of the body. Cats aged two years and below, as well as female kittens are the most affected by Rodent Ulcer.
The main allergens that have been now to cause the ulcer are fleas, rubber bowls, plastics, some foods, and a compromised immune system. Cats may also get allergies from environmental pollutants and synthetic ingredients found used to make cat litter. If the ulcers are not treated on time, they can lead to a permanent disfigurement, which is obviously a big deal for any cat. Therefore, you must act fast the moment you notice them.
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How Is Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex Treated
If an underlying cause is identified, specific treatment will be directed at removing this cause.
Flea and insect control is very important in the treatment of feline eosinophilic complex. This is due to the suspected hypersensitivity reaction cause of the condition. Insect bites can trigger an exaggerated immune response in affected cats, causing or worsening clinical signs.
Some cats respond to elimination or hypoallergenic diets, suggesting an underlying food allergy as the cause. Most cats diagnosed with feline eosinophilic granuloma complex benefit from a hypoallergenic food trial .
“Corticosteroids are the most common treatment to control the symptoms of eosinophilic granuloma complex.”
Corticosteroids are the most common treatment to control the symptoms of eosinophilic granuloma complex. Corticosteroids are available in different forms that have different durations of activity most often, cats are treated with corticosteroid injections or tablets . Treatment may last for weeks or months because eosinophilic granulomas frequently recur and prolonged treatment will minimize the chance of recurrence. Side effects of corticosteroids are usually not significant in cats, but prolonged use can cause side effects such as an increase in weight.
Cyclosporine is another drug often used in cats to manage allergic skin disease. It acts as an immunosuppressant and is a good alternative for cats that cannot take steroids.
Natural Remedies For Rodent Ulcer
Murphy recently had a very unpleasant experience with an inflammatory skin condition that is only prevalent in cats called rodent ulcer, which also goes by the scientific name feline eosinophilic granulom among others.
The laymans label is misleading, as this is not caused by cats coming into contact with rodents. Its actually an allergic reaction that is commonly caused by:
- The chemicals in plastic or rubber food and water bowls
- An allergy to fleas
- A food allergy
- Environmental pollutants, including chemicals in cat litter
Cats with comprised immune systems, such as those with FIV, are also more susceptible to this, and this is more prevalent in female cats than males.
The Symptoms of Rodent Ulcer
Murphys symptoms began as a few small, red sores under his chin that later extended to the corners of his mouth. This was also accompanied by acute darkening of his lower gums. In addition, this can affect a cats tongue, lips and other parts of the body, such as the pads of the feet.
Although seemingly more common in younger cats, this can occur at any age.
How I Determined that Murphy Had Rodent Ulcer
Admittedly, Murphy who is now 1 year and 4 months old has been a hot mess in one form or another since I adopted him from a county animal shelter in August 2013, when he was 17 weeks old.
In this case, Dr. Cathy and I relied on a process of elimination to determine the cause of Murphys ailment.
How I Determined and Eliminated the Cause
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Rodent Ulcers In Cats: Causes Treatments Prevention And Tips
Rodent ulcers, also known as indolent ulcers, are unique to cats. Despite their name, there is no connection between them and rodents of any kind. The term rodent ulcer came from the old belief that the sores were from a rodent bite or some sort of infection the cat caught from a rodent. Even though the veterinary community now knows this is not the case, the name has stuck.
Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex : Causes Symptoms And Treatment
Do you have a cat who seems to always be scratching and are you seeing red lesions on its skin? If so, it’s possible that your cat has feline eosinophilic granuloma complex. This syndrome is characterized by a specific skin reaction pattern and can include eosinophilic plaques, indolent ulcers, and eosinophilic granulomas. Lesions are often secondary to underlying allergic disease and tend to respond rapidly to treatment. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment of the feline eosinophilic granuloma complex.
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How To Diagnose And Treat Rodent Ulcers In Cats
This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 65,734 times.
Rodent ulcers, or Eosinophilic Granulomas, were originally believed to be caused by rodent bites on the cats mouth and lips. It is now known that these ulcers are not related to rodents in any way, and are actually a result of an allergic reaction. In order to diagnose and treat rodent ulcers in cats, you should identify the ulcers, seek veterinary assistance, and then treat the underlying allergy.XResearch source
Find And Treat The Cause
The best way to find the cause is to muscle test! Muscle testing is a non-invasive technique that identifies and address stressors in the body. Also known as body wisdom, it taps into the autonomic nervous system. Simply asking the cats body questions, either in person or remotely, you can determine which stressor is causing the allergic reaction.
My first exposure to rodent ulcers in cats was a client named Yuri. I found that her immune system was on fire because she was inappropriately vaccinated when she was too young. Her devoted mom worked with me along with a couple of holistic and integrative veterinarians to help restore her immune system to its normal function. While detoxing and getting her immune system back in balance, she developed a rodent ulcer. It went away a short time later. You can read her story here.
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