NAVLE Integumentary

Feline Allergic Dermatitis Study Guide

March 28, 2026 25 min read 27 views
Feline allergic dermatitis encompasses a spectrum of hypersensitivity disorders affecting the skin, characterized by pruritus and various cutaneous reaction patterns.

Overview and Clinical Importance

Feline allergic dermatitis encompasses a spectrum of hypersensitivity disorders affecting the skin, characterized by pruritus and various cutaneous reaction patterns. The International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA) has recently established the term Feline Atopic Syndrome (FAS) to describe this complex of allergic diseases affecting the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system in cats.

Unlike dogs, feline allergic dermatitis presents with unique clinical patterns that are not pathognomonic for any specific underlying cause. The four major reaction patterns include: miliary dermatitis, self-induced alopecia, head and neck pruritus, and eosinophilic granuloma complex. Understanding these patterns and their diagnostic workup is essential for NAVLE success.

High-YieldOn the NAVLE, remember that feline allergic dermatitis is a clinical diagnosis of exclusion. You must rule out fleas, parasites, dermatophytosis, and food allergy before diagnosing feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS). The same reaction patterns can be caused by flea allergy, food allergy, or environmental allergies.
Reaction Pattern Clinical Features Common Locations
Miliary Dermatitis Small (1-2 mm) papulocrusted lesions resembling millet seeds. Variable pruritus. Lesions often felt rather than seen. May appear without visible pruritus (silent grooming). Dorsal lumbosacral region, neck, head, trunk. May be localized or generalized.
Self-Induced Alopecia (SIAH) Bilateral symmetric hair loss from excessive licking, biting, or pulling. Hair easily epilated. Broken hair shafts on trichogram. Often causes hairballs and vomiting. Ventral abdomen, medial thighs, flanks, forelimbs. Symmetric distribution.
Head and Neck Pruritus (HNP) Intense pruritus leading to excoriations, erosions, and ulcerations. May cause blepharitis and corneal ulceration. Often requires E-collar. Can be severe and self-perpetuating. Face, head, neck, periocular region, pinnae.
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC) Three distinct lesion types: Indolent ulcer (upper lip), Eosinophilic plaque (raised, erythematous, pruritic), Eosinophilic granuloma (linear thickening, yellowish-pink). Indolent ulcer: upper lip. Plaque: ventral abdomen, medial thighs. Granuloma: caudal thighs, chin, oral cavity.

Key Terminology

Feline Atopic Syndrome (FAS): A syndrome encompassing allergic diseases of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract (asthma) in cats, associated with hypersensitivity to environmental allergens and foods, which may coexist with flea allergy dermatitis.

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