Page 1129 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

53 – THE CAT WITH PAW OR PAD PROBLEMS 1121

Often there is seborrhea sicca and a dry, lusterless hair
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
coat, which is easily epilated, and has poor regrowth
after clipping. The skin may be myxoedematous and
Classical signs
thickened.
● Multi-systemic disease including the skin.
Other signs of hypothyroidism may be present
● Generaliszd or localized erythematous,
including lethargy, inappetence, obesity, hypothermia
scaly or crusted skin lesions.
and bradycardia.
Most commonly occurs after bilateral thyroidectomy
Clinical signs for hyperthyroidism. Spontaneous hypothyroidism is
very rare.
Dermatological signs occur in 20–30% of cases.
● Typically, there are generalized or localized scaly
or crusted lesions on the face, ears and eyelids.
Alternatively, ulcerative lesions may be present on Diagnosis
the face, trunk and feet. Periocular leukotrichia may
If available, the thyroid stimulation test shows mini-
be evident.
mal to no stimulation.
● Paronychia and oily seborrhea may occur.
Free T or free T by equilibrium dialysis are below the
Systemic signs include intermittent pyrexia, anorexia, 4 4
normal values for the laboratory.
depression and weight loss.
Response to trial therapy with thyroxine (0.05–0.1
Involvement of other organs may result in immune-
mg once daily) for 4 weeks results in improved clinical
mediated anemia, thrombocytopenia, glomeru-
signs.
lonephritis and polyarthritis.
Diagnosis HYPERADRENOCORTICISM

Definitive diagnosis is very challenging, as the dis-
Classical signs
ease is so variable in its clinical presentation.
● Pot-bellied appearance and muscle
Skin biopsies show hydropic interface dermatitis.
wasting.
A high positive ANA titer may occur in some cats. ● Unkempt hair coat with thin, easily torn
skin.
Laboratory results demonstrating multi-systemic dis-
● Polydypsia/polyuria and often associated
ease suggest a tentative diagnosis of SLE.
diabetes mellitus (80% of cases).
HYPOTHYROIDISM See main reference on page 251 for details (The Cat
With Polyuria and Polydipsia).
Classical signs
● Lethargy, inappetence, obesity.
● Seborrhea sicca and a dry, lusterless hair Clinical signs
coat, easily epilated with poor regrowth.
Bilaterally symmetrical alopecia involving the face,
flanks and limbs.
Clinical signs The skin is often very thin and easily torn especially
on the digits.
Hypothyroidism may result in erythematous, scaling
and papular lesions, which affect the forehead, Systemic signs of polydypsia, polyuria and weight
abdomen, tail and footpads. loss are usually associated with diabetes mellitus.