Feline Pemphigus Foliaceus: A Retrospective Analysis of 57 Cases

This retrospective analysis examined 57 cases of feline pemphigus foliaceus from 1991 to 2002. The study found that the age of onset ranged from less than 1 year to 17 years, with a median age of 5 years. Pruritus was reported in 80% of the cats. Lesions were commonly found on the face, head, paws, dorsum, or ventrum, presenting as crusts, erosions, scale, and alopecia. Histological examination of 208 biopsy specimens revealed numerous acantholytic cells and a higher presence of mast cells than previously reported. Seventeen cats were on corticosteroids at the time of biopsy, which affected diagnostic accuracy. Of the 44 cases followed for 1 to 54 months (median 9 months), triamcinolone was more effective in inducing remission with fewer adverse effects compared to prednisone or prednisone with chlorambucil. Only 4 out of 44 cats died due to the disease or its treatment during the study.