01/05/2023
In the previous post, we discussed how one of the cats from this week had a rodent ulcer. We thought it would be interesting to discuss what a rodent ulcer is.
Technically, they are not rodent ulcers at all. They just look similar - because unlike in humans, they are not cancerous. In cats they are actually technically called an eosinophilic granuloma complex.
Wow, that was quite a mouthful. Doctors have also started calling them Indolent ulcers to get away from the term "Rodent ulcer" without having to use that very long and technical term.
Let's break this down further. Eosinophils are white blood cells within the immune system, and a granuloma is an area of inflammation. So essentially, it is an area of inflammation caused by a specific type of immune cells.
In the attached photo, Charlie was very drunk from his neuter and not amused that we were trying to look in his mouth, so we did not push the issue. However, you can see that his lips are redder than you'd expect, and when we look behind them we'd be able to see his "rodent ulcer."
What causes these? We don't really know for sure, though it could be parasites, allergies, reactions to things like plastic bowls..... There's even a possibility its genetic. Whatever the reason, we start by treating a cat like Charlie for all the parasites he had picked up outside: fleas, ear mites, and who knows what else. They also gave him an antibiotic shot (convenia) to prevent and treat any ongoing infections and a steroid shot of prednisolone to help reduce the inflammation. Steroids are a pretty typical treatment.
Charlie is on his way to feeling better, and for that we are very glad.
Sources:
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/eosinophilic-granuloma-complex
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-eosinophilic-granuloma-complex-in-cats
