Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex

This condition is sometimes called a “rodent ulcer” and is a chronic inflammation that affects the lips, oral mucosa, and skin of cats.

There are several forms, but the most common involves the lip area.

The actual cause is unknown but it seems to be associated with chronic irritation, especially licking.  Flea allergy and food allergies have been implicated as potential causes also.

The lesions may be spread to other areas by constant licking that results in damage to the skin.  Lesions may be located anywhere on the body, but many times lesions will be located at points where a tooth contacts the lip.

Symptoms Of Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex:

This condition usually starts as a reddened area and progresses to become a thickened ulcerated area.  The lesions may progress to a form of skin cancer. Lesions can become quite severe in a short period of time and involve a rather large area.

Diagnosis Of Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex:

Diagnosis will require a thorough examination of your cat by the veterinarian.

Blood tests may be required to rule out other disease conditions which can cause similar lesions.

Skin scrapings and fungal cultures may also be necessary, again to rule out other disease conditions which can cause similar lesions.

Biopsy of the affected skin area may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Of Eosinphilic Granuloma Complex:

Treatment may include antibiotics to control infection and anti-inflammatory medications, such as cortisone injections or tablets to decrease the inflammation and make your cat more comfortable.

Ointments may also be recommended and may include topical antibiotics and/or topical anti-inflammatory medications.

Often, flea control will be recommended, even if there is no outward evidence of fleas, because fleas can be difficult to locate and, in the event of a hypersensitivity to fleas, it only takes one flea bite to cause a reaction. Products such as Frontline, Advantage, Revolution, and others are very effective in controlling fleas.

Feeding trials with hypo-allergenic foods (foods unlikely to cause an allergic response) may be recommended as well. Often, feeding trials are conducted for periods of 6-8 weeks, with no foods other than the hypo-allergenic food being offered to your cat.

In severe, non-responsive cases, surgical removal may be recommended. (Surgical removal may also be recommended in order to perform a biopsy for definitive diagnosis of the lesion.)  

These lesions tend to heal very slowly, sometimes taking weeks or even months to regress completely. Your cat's veterinarian will be able to determine the most appropriate treatment regimen for your cat based on the clinical lesions and the overall health of your cat.