Cutaneous Food Allergy in Cats: A Retrospective Study of 48 Cases (1988^|^ndash;2003)

Abstract

Cutaneous food allergy was diagnosed in 48 cats and these represented 3.4% of the feline dermatology cases and 0.2% of all cats examined over a 15-year period. No age or sex predilection was found, but Burmese, Himalayan, and Maine coon cats were over-represented. Cutaneous reaction patterns - in descending order of prevalence - included initially lesionless symmetrical pruritus which led to excoriation (especially face, ears, and neck), self-induced hair loss with normal-appearing skin (especially abdomen, legs, and back), miliary dermatitis (especially back and neck), and eosinophilic granuloma complex (especially lips). Multiple cutaneous reaction patterns were present in 54.2% of the cats. Secondary bacterial infections occurred in 18.8% of the cats. Only 2.1% of the cats had concurrent gastrointestinal disturbances. Concurrent atopic dermatitis was present in 18.8% of the cats. Systemic glucocorticoids were ineffective in 60.9% of the cats in which they were used. Dietary management was successful for follow-up periods of 6 months to 11 years.