168 DISC

Veterinary Dermatology 2000, 11, 3541

An idiopathic facial dermatitis of Persian cats

R. BOND, C. F. CURTIS,{ E. A. FERGUSON, I. S. MASON{ and J. REST}
Dermatology Unit, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, The Royal Veterinary College,
Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hateld, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
{Veterinary Dermatology Consultants, 2 Kempton Court, Kempton Avenue, Sunbury-on-Thames,
Middlesex, TW16 5PA, UK
}Rest Associates, 30 Greenhead Road, Swaham Prior, Cambridge, UK
{Present address: Dermatology Referral Service, 7 Chadwell, Ware, Herts, UK
(Received 9 December 1997; accepted 10 January 1999)

Abstract The clinical and histopathological features of 13 Persian cats which presented with chronic skin
disease primarily aecting the face are described. Lesions were characterized by black material adherent to the
skin and hair, accompanied by erythema and variable degrees of excoriation. Concurrent ceruminous otitis
externa was observed in 7 cases. Histopathological examination of skin biopsy specimens showed marked
acanthosis with crusting, hydropic degeneration and dyskeratotic basal epithelial cells, a mixed diuse
supercial inammatory inltrate and sebaceous hyperplasia. Malassezia pachydermatis yeasts and various
bacteria were isolated from the lesions in some of the cats but in no case was antimicrobial therapy curative.
The response to glucocorticoids was variable and often poor. No satisfactory therapeutic regimen could be
identied and the cause of the disorder is unknown although a genetic basis is possible.
Keywords: facial dermatitis, Persian cats, feline dermatology.

INTRODUCTION
In a review of facial skin disease in cats, Foil1 listed 21
dierential diagnoses for head pruritus, principally
consisting of ectoparasitic, allergic and microbial
disorders. The author stated that up to 10% of cases
remain undiagnosed despite complete investigations.
The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe
the clinical ndings in an un-named idiopathic,
predominantly facial skin disease of Persian cats. To
date, the aetiology of the disorder is unclear and a
successful form of therapy has not been identied. It is
intended that this paper will increase awareness of this
apparent syndrome and stimulate further investigation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The case records of 13 Persian cats with similar
clinical signs were studied and the historical, clinical
and clinicopathological features collated. A standard
protocol for the investigation and treatment of the
cases was not adopted by any one clinician in this
retrospective study. However, each cat was examined
by a specialist or diplomate in veterinary dermatology and similar investigative procedures were undertaken which varied according to the circumstances of
the case and the wishes of each client.

Correspondence: R. Bond.
Tel. ++ 44 1582883950; Fax: ++ 44 1582883946
# 2000 Blackwell Science Ltd

Skin scrapings were examined microscopically for

evidence of ectoparasite infestation and dermatophytosis in every case. Other laboratory tests performed
using standard techniques included cytological examination of exudates (11 cats) stained using Modied
Wright's stain (Di-Quik, Baxter Diagnostics AG,
Dudingen, Germany), assays for feline leukaemia
virus antigen (FeLV) and feline immunodeciency
virus antibodies (FIV) (9 cats), haematology (8 cats)
and blood biochemistry (total protein, albumin,
globulin, urea, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, alanine
aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) in 7 cats. In
11 cases, skin scales and hair plucks were cultured for
dermatophytes on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (Oxoid
CM41, Unipath Ltd, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK)
containing cycloheximide and chloramphenicol at
26 8C for 28 days. Bacterial cultures were performed
in 9 cases; sterile cotton wool swabs were rubbed on
the lesions and used to inoculate blood agar (blood
agar base [Oxoid CM271] containing 5% debrinated
ox blood) and MacConkey agar plates (Oxoid CM7b)
which were incubated aerobically at 37 8C for 48 h.
Elimination diets comprising home-cooked singleprotein sources were fed for periods ranging from 3
to 8 weeks (mean 5 weeks) to investigate dietary
sensitivity in 8 cats. Intradermal testing using a panel
of environmental allergens was performed in 4 cases.
Skin biopsy specimens using 6 mm punches were
obtained from 9 cats. Biopsy specimens were xed in
10% neutral buered formalin, processed using
standard protocols and sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin.
35

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R. Bond et al.

RESULTS
Historical features
Eight male and 5 female Persian cats aged between 10
months and 6 years (median 2.5 years), each from
separate households in the south-east of England,
were studied (Table 1). Both light and dark-coated
cats were aected. Each cat presented with a history
of progressive, predominately facial skin disease of 3
months to 4 years duration (median 12 months). The
age at onset reported by the owners ranged from 4
months to 5 years (median 12 months). The rst
abnormality noted by the owners was the presence of
a black material which matted the hairs of the
periocular, perioral or chin areas. Pruritus was not
reported early in the course of the disease. However,
the aected areas became progressively inamed and
pruritus became moderate or severe, despite a variety
of symptomatic treatments. Aected cats were otherwise reported to be in good general health. At the
time of rst presentation, all cats were routinely fed
on standard commercial diets.
Clinical signs
Similar clinical signs were seen in each case. A black
waxy material which matted the distal portions of the
hair was present in a symmetrical pattern on the face
of each cat (Figs 1 and 2). In most cases, the chin,
perioral and periocular areas were aected. Erythema
and exudation were often observed in the facial folds
but the lesions were clearly present in nonintertriginous areas. Moderate to severe erythema was
observed in the areas of exudation and also in the
pre-auricular area. A bilateral erythematous otitis
externa with accumulation of black waxy material
within the external ear canal was seen in 7 cats.
Excoriations were observed in severely aected cases
(Fig. 2b). Five cats had a bilateral mucoid ocular
discharge. Apart from a submandibular lymphadenopathy which was present in 5 cats, general physical
examinations showed no other abnormalities.
Further investigations
Microscopic parasites and dermatophytes were not
observed in skin scrapings and dermatophytes were
not isolated from samples from the 11 cats which were
cultured. Cytological examinations of tape-strips or
impression smears from the face showed numerous
microbes in 8 cases. Rods were observed alone in
samples from 2 cats and cocci alone were observed in
another. Malassezia spp. yeast cells were identied in 5
cats; they were the sole organism observed in 3 but
they were found in combination with large numbers of
rod-shaped bacteria in 2 cats. Malassezia pachydermatis was subsequently isolated in cultures from all cases
where Malassezia spp. were observed cytologically and
from one cat where it was not seen in cytological
specimens. A range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus intermedius, streptococci and Gram-negative
rods were isolated from all 9 cats swabbed (Table 1).
# 2000 Blackwell Science Ltd, Veterinary Dermatology, 11, 3541

Benecial eects were not seen in the eight cats fed

restricted diets. Intradermal tests were negative in
each cat tested. A peripheral eosinophilia was
observed in 4 cases; eosinophil counts in these cats
ranged from 2.3 to 13.1 6 109 L71 (normal range 0
1.5 6 109 L71). Lymphopenia was observed in 2 cats
(0.1 and 0.5 6 109 L71 [normal range 1.57.0 6 109
L71 ]) but biochemical abnormalities were not found.
Histopathological examination of skin biopsy
specimens showed marked acanthosis (9 cases) (Fig.
3) with crusting which often included sebum. Hydropic degeneration of basal cells (9 cases) (Fig. 4) and
occasional dyskeratotic keratinocytes (8 cases) were
found; dyskeratoses were particularly marked in the
follicular epithelium. A supercial dermal inltrate
comprised of eosinophils (8 cases), neutrophils (8
cases), mast cells (7 cases), histiocytes and occasional
melanophages (9 cases) was observed; the inltrate
was usually intense. Sebaceous glands appeared
enlarged (8 cases), especially in areas of marked
acanthosis. Less common features included mild
dysplasia of the epidermis, exocytosis of eosinophils
and neutrophils which occasionally formed subcorneal pustules without acantholysis, ulceration and
focal luminal folliculitis.
Treatments and responses
Topical and environmental ea treatments were administered to 12 cats without apparent benet. Adulticides
used on the animals included aerosol and pump sprays,
spot-on products, foam and collars. Environmental
therapy using an aerosol containing methoprene and
permethrin (Acclaim Plus, Sano Animal Health,
Watford, Herts, UK) was used in 11 cases and three
cats received 133 mg of lufenuron (Program, Ciba
Animal Health) orally on a monthly basis.
Twelve cats received glucocorticoid therapy, either
alone or in combination with other drugs, but in no
case was the response complete. Three cats received
depot injections of methylprednisolone acetate at 4
mg kg71 (DepoMedrone, Upjohn Ltd, Crawley,
West Sussex, UK), two cats responded poorly and
one showed a partial reduction in pruritus. Prednisolone or methylprednisolone given orally at doses
ranging from 1 to 3 mg kg71 daily induced only mild
reductions in pruritus and exudation in 11 cats. Three
owners reported that the response to oral glucocorticoids provided by their local veterinarians had been
better earlier in the course of the disease.
Systemic antibacterial therapy (cephalexin, enrooxacin, coamoxyclav) was given to 12 cats, either
alone or in combination with other drugs (Table 1).
Seven of the cats failed to respond and ve showed
partial improvements. In three cases which appeared
to benet from antibacterial therapy, further courses
were considered to be less helpful. Ketoconazole
(Nizoral, Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd, Little Island,
C. Cork, Eire) was administered orally to four cats
from which M. pachydermatis was recovered at 10 mg
kg71 once daily for periods ranging from 14 to 42

Table 1. Microbiological ndings and responses to systemic antimicrobial therapy in 13 Persian cats with an idiopathic facial dermatitis
Case no.

Gender

Age

Bacteriological ndings

Mycological ndings

Systemic treatments
71

Responses
71

FN
MN
FN
F

3.5 y
1y
6y
1.5 y

S. intermedius + + + +
CNS + +
CNS + + +
Not cultured

M. pachydermatis + + +
Fungi not isolated
Fungi not isolated
Fungi not isolated

EN 5 mg kg sid + K 10 mg kg
CA 12.5 mg kg71 for 10 d
CE 15 mg kg71for 18 d
CA 12.5 mg kg71for 10 d

MN

1y

Fungi not isolated

CE 15 mg kg71for 21 d

MN

3y

S. intermedius + + +
Non-haem streptococci + + + +
Not cultured

Slight improvement
No response
No response
Initially some response but subsequent course
not helpful
No response

CE 30 mg kg71 + K 10 mg kg71bid for 21 d

Partial response

FN

2.5 y

Culture not done. Cytology

showed Malassezia sp.
Fungi not isolated

EN 5 mg kg71sid for 21 d
(+ topical betamethasone)

Moderategood response but relapsed within

days of withdrawal. Subsequently less helpful

MN

2y

Fungi not isolated

EN 5 mg kg71sid for 21 d (+ P 3 mg kg71sid)

Only partial response

9
10
11

FN
M
M

3.5 y
3y
10 m

M. pachydermatis +
Fungi not isolated
M. pachydermatis + + +

No response
No response
No response

12

MN

4y

EN 5 mg kg71sid for 21 d (+ P 3 mg kg71sid)

CE 30 mg kg71bid for 21 d (+ P 3 mg kg71sid)
CA 12.5 mg kg71bid, 10 d
K 10 mg kg71bid for 6 weeks
Topical therapy used.

No response

13

MN

2y

CE 15 mg kg71for 10 d
K 10 mg kg71bid for 14 d

No response. Initially benecial but further

courses unhelpful

Ps. aeruginosa + + + +
S. intermedius + + +
a-haem streptococci + + + +
Pseudomonas spp.
Rods on cytology.
Cocci on cytology. Not cultured
Not cultured.
S. aureus + + + +
E. coli + + + +
Proteus spp. + + + +
Enterococcus spp. + + + +
S. intermedius + + E. coli + +

M. pachydermatis + + + +
M. pachydermatis +

bid for 14 d

Idiopathic facial dermatitis of Persian cats

CNS; coagulase-negative staphylococci

+, + +, + + +, + + + +; amount of growth on culture plates ranging from scant (+) to heavy (+ + + +)
CA, coamoxyclav; CE, cephalexin; EN, enrooxacin; K, ketoconazole; P, prednisolone

168 DISC

37

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1
2
3
4

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R. Bond et al.

days, either alone (2 cases), or in combination with

antibiotics (2 cases). Partial reductions in pruritus
and exudation were seen in three cats but in no case
was the response complete (Table 1). One cat (cat 12)
from which both M. pachydermatis and Gramnegative bacteria had been isolated showed a good

Figure 1. Symmetrical periocular skin lesions comprising erythema

and black material adherent to hairs in a Persian cat with an
idiopathic facial dermatitis (case 12).

Figure 2(a). Black material adherent to the hairs is apparent around

both eyes and at the medial canthi in a Persian cat with an
idiopathic facial dermatitis (case 11).

initial response to thrice weekly shampoos with a 2%

miconazole/2% chlorhexidine product (Malaseb, Leo
Animal Health, Princes Risborough, UK); however,
this product was withdrawn subsequently as its
application appeared to induce irritation.
A number of topical therapeutic agents were used
in an attempt to remove the black material from the
skin and hair. These included products containing
4% chlorhexidine (Hibiscrub, Zeneca Ltd, Maccleseld, Cheshire) washes (cats 1, 2, 4, 5), 2.5% benzoyl
peroxide (OxyDex, C-Vet Veterinary Products, Leyland, UK) (cat 10), 2% miconazole/2% chlorhexidine
shampoo (Malaseb, Leo Animal Health, Princes
Risborough, UK) (cat 12), a olen sulphonate/
lauramide/glycerine-containing shampoo (Sebocalm,
Virbac Ltd, Cambridge UK) (cat 7) and an ear
cleanser (Leo Cat Ear Cleanser, Leo Animal Health,
Princes Risborough, UK) (cat 1), at intervals of 24 or
48 h (Table 1). Although the black material could be
removed in those cats which permitted washing, the
owners consistently reported that it accumulated
again within 13 days of treatment. Repeat cytological investigations following therapy were not
routinely performed.

Figure 2(b). Same cat several months later. Severe pruritus has
developed and marked facial excoriation can be observed.

Figure 3. Skin biopsy specimen from a

Persian cat with an idiopathic facial
dermatitis. Epidermal hyperplasia is
accompanied by an inammatory cell
inltrate in the supercial dermis.
Spongiosis, hydropic change in basal cells
and pigmentary incontinence can be seen.
Haematoxylin and eosin 6125.
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168 DISC
Idiopathic facial dermatitis of Persian cats

39

Figure 4. Skin biopsy specimen from a Persian

cat with an idiopathic facial dermatitis. There
is hyperplasia of the epidermis and follicular
infundibula with vacuolar changes in the
basal cell layer. A mixed inammatory cell
inltrate can also be observed. Haematoxylin
and eosin 6125.

Follow-up
Duration of follow-up ranged from 2 to 28 months.
In no case could the disease be maintained in
complete remission. Four cats were euthanased
because of uncontrolled severe pruritus. Five of the
cats received maintenance glucocorticoid therapy
which reduced the severity of the disease to `tolerable'
levels. Of these, one cat received depot injections of
methylprednisolone acetate at 5 week intervals and
four cats were given alternate day therapy with oral
prednisolone at doses of 1 mg kg71 (3 cats) and 3 mg
kg71 (one cat). Two of these cats were receiving
concurrent daily topical antibacterial therapy with
fucidic acid (Fucidin gel, Leo Laboratories Ltd) and
mupirocin (Bactroban, Beecham), and one was
receiving intermittent treatments with cephalexin
given orally at 15 mg kg71 bid.
DISCUSSION
The similar historical and clinical ndings observed
suggest that these cases were examples of a syndrome
characterized by predominantly facial skin disease
aecting young Persian cats. The authors are unaware of any detailed descriptions which correlate with
our ndings. However, anecdotal reports indicate
that similar cases have also been seen both in Scotland, continental Europe and North America. In a
discussion of blepharitis, Scott et al.2 stated that an
idiopathic periocular crusting disorder may be seen in
Persian cats but no further details were provided.
The aetiology of the apparent syndrome of facial
skin disease in these Persian cats is unclear. A number
of potential causes have either been excluded or are
most unlikely. Ectoparasitic infestation and dermatophytosis seem most unlikely as microscopic parasites and dermatophytes were not found in any case.
The initial clinical sign of accumulation of a black
waxy material without pruritus is not suggestive of a
hypersensitivity disorder. In addition, none of these

cats showed the well-recognized features of feline

atopic disease or dietary sensitivity, namely selfinduced alopecia, miliary dermatitis, lesions of the
eosinophilic granuloma `complex', or (initially) nonlesional pruritus.3 Flea allergy dermatitis seems
unlikely given the clinical presentation and the lack
of response to ea control measures.
Whilst feline acne is a relatively poorly dened
condition aecting the face of cats, the clinical
features of the subject cases do not closely resemble
those described for acne.46 Comedo formation, a
principal feature of acne, was not observed clinically.
Papules, pustules and furuncles, features seen in more
severe acne cases, were also not observed. Acne is
often restricted to the chin and lip commisures6
whereas lesions were more extensive in the subject
cats. Feline acne is characterized histopathologically
by comedones, cystic follicles and dilated sebaceous
gland ducts, associated with either minimal inammation or varying degrees of folliculitis, granulomatous perifolliculitis or sebaceous adenitis.4,6 These
were not the principal features observed in biopsy
specimens taken from the subject cats. Foil1 considers
marked pruritus to be a feature which excludes feline
acne from the dierential diagnosis of head pruritus
in the cat, although White et al.6 reported pruritus in
10 out of 25 cases.
Paradis and Scott7 have described a hereditary
primary seborrhoea in Persian cats characterized by
the development of widespread scaling, greasy coat
and wax accumulation on the face and ears within the
rst 6 weeks of life. The presence of black wax on the
face was a striking feature of the Persian cats
described here but there are few other similarities to
hereditary seborrhoea. Hereditary primary seborrhoea in Persian cats is characterized histopathologically by orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis and a mild lymphocytic perivascular dermatitis.7
These features do not resemble those observed in
biopsy specimens from the subject cats. The widespread nature of skin lesions, the young age at onset
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R. Bond et al.

and the lack of pruritus in hereditary primary

seborrhoea also serve to dierentiate these two
disorders. However, a genetic basis for the disease
seems likely as all cases seen to date have been
Persian cats. Pedigrees were not available for all the
cats in this study but the authors have received
anecdotal reports of very similar cases in two Persian
cats which were known to be littermates (A. Patel,
personal communication).
Although M. pachydermatis and a range of
potentially pathogenic bacteria were isolated from
many of the cats, the lack of complete response to
antifungal and antibacterial therapy suggests that
microbial infection was not the sole cause of the skin
lesions. However, the partial responses seen in some
of the cats suggest that concurrent infection was an
occasional complicating factor in this syndrome.
The nature of the black material seen adherent
to the hair is uncertain but it may represent a
sebaceous gland product. Although sebaceous hyperplasia was present histologically in all cases, sebaceous glands are frequently large in the facial region in
healthy cats.4 Further studies in which sebaceous
gland size in aected cats is compared with biopsies
from healthy cats are required to conrm the degree
of sebaceous hyperplasia.
Taken as a whole, the histopathological features do
not closely resemble those of other recognized
inammatory skin diseases of cats. A mixed supercial inammatory inltrate may be seen in hypersensitivity and ectoparasitic disorders8 but
dyskeratotic basal epithelial cells are not normally
seen in those diseases. Dyskeratotic and oedematous
basal cells with melanophages are seen in interface
dermatitides. The pattern has been recognized in
diseases with an immunological basis such as
systemic lupus erythematosus and in others with a
strong genetic basis such as dermatomyositis in
Shetland sheepdogs.9,10 In the subject cats, the mixed
inltrate contrasts with the mononuclear interface
inltrate seen in other interface diseases and there is
no follicular atrophy as in dermatomyositis.
In summary, we have encountered a number of
young Persian cats which present with a progressive,
apparently idiopathic, predominately facial skin
disease which is characterized clinically by the
presence of a black material which adheres to the

skin surface and, ultimately, by moderate or severe

pruritus. The condition has a specic and diagnostic
combination of histological features. The aetiology is
unknown and a consistently successful treatment has
not been identied.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors thank Abbey Veterinary Services, Newton Abbot, UK and Finn (UK) Ltd, Diss, UK for
access to histopathological specimens.
REFERENCES
1. Foil, C.S. Facial, pedal and other regional dermatoses.
Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal
Practice 1995; 25: 92344.
2. Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H., Grin, C.E. Muller and
Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. Philadelphia: W.B.
Saunders, 1995: 9579.
3. Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H., Grin, C.E. Muller and
Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. Philadelphia: W.B.
Saunders, 1995: 51835.
4. Gross, T.L., Ihrke, P.J., Walder, E.J. Veterinary
Dermatopathology: a macroscopic and microscopic
evaluation of canine and feline skin disease. St. Louis:
Mosby Year Book, 1992: 25860.
5. Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H., Grin, C.E. Muller and
Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. Philadelphia: W.B.
Saunders, 1995: 8357.
6. White, S.D., Bordeau, P.B., Blumstein, P., Ibisch, C.,
Guaguere, E., Denerolle, P. et al. Feline acne and
results of treatment with mupirocin in an open clinical
trial: 25 cases 199496. Veterinary Dermatology 1997;
8: 15764.
7. Paradis, M., Scott, D.W. Hereditary primary
seborrhoea oleosa in Persian cats. Feline Practice
1990; 19: 1720.
8. Yager, J.A., Wilcock, B.P. Perivascular dermatitis. In:
Colour Atlas and Text of Surgical Pathology of the Dog
and Cat. Volume 1. Dermatopathology and Skin
Tumours. London: Wolfe, 1994: 5183.
9. Scott, D.W., Walton, D.K., Manning, T.O., Smith,
C.A., Lewis, R.M. Canine lupus erythematosus. 1.
Systemic lupus erythematosus. Journal of the American
Animal Hospital Association 1983; 19: 46179.
10. Hargis, A.M., Mundell, A.C. Familial canine dermatomyositis. Compendium of Continuing Education for
the Practising Veterinarian 1992; 14: 85562.

Resume Cet article decrit les caracteristiques cliniques et histopathologiques de 13 chats Persans qui
presentaient une dermatose chronique principalement faciale. Les lesions regroupaient un exsudat noiratre
adherent a la peau et aux poils, un erytheme et des excoriations. Une otite externe cerumineuse
concommitante a ete observee dans 7 cas. L'examen histopathologique de biopsies cutanees a montre une
acanthose marquee, avec des croutes, une degenerescence hydropique et une dyskeratose des cellules de la
couche basale, un inltrat inammatoire superciel dius et une hyperplasie sebacee. Des levures Malassezia
pachydermatis et dierentes bacteries ont ete isolees au niveau des lesions chez certains animaux, mais un
traitement antiinfectieux n'a pas permis d'obtenir la guerison des lesions pour ces chats. La reponse a un
traitement a base de glucocortico des a ete variable, et souvent mauvaise. Aucun traitement n'a ete
satisfaisant. La cause de cette dermatose est inconnue, bien qu'une origine genetique soit possible. [Bond, R.,
Curtis, C. F., Ferguson, E. A., Mason, I. S. et Rest, J. (Dermatose faciale idiopathique chez les chats Persans.)
Veterinary Dermatology 2000; 11: 3541.]
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Idiopathic facial dermatitis of Persian cats

41

Resumen Se describen las caracter sticas cl nicas e histopatologicas de 13 gatos persas que presentaban una
afeccion cutanea cronica afectando principalmente el area facial. Las lesiones se caracterizaban por material
negro adherido a la piel y al pelo, acompanado por eritema y un grado variable de escoriacion. Se observo
otitis externa ceruminosa concomitante en 7 casos. El examen histopatologico de las biopsias cutaneas mostro
una acantosis marcada con costras, degeneracion hidropica y disqueratosis de celulas epiteliales basales, un
inltrado inamatorio mixto supercial difuso e hiperplasia sebacea. Se aislaron levaduras de Malassezia
pachydermatis y diferentes bacterias de las lesiones en algunos de los gatos pero en ningun caso se consiguio la
curacion mediante terapia antimicrobiana. La respuesta a los glucocorticoides fue variable y a menudo escasa.
No pudo identicarse ningun regimen terapeutico satisfactorio y la causa de la afeccion es desconocida,
aunque podr a existir una base genetica. [Bond, R., Curtis, C. F., Ferguson, E. A., Mason, I. S. y Rest, J.
(Dermatitis facial idiopatica de gatos persas.) Veterinary Dermatology 2000; 11: 3541.]
Zusammenfassung Die klinischen und histopathologischen Veranderungen von 13 Perserkatzen werden
beschrieben, die mit chronischer und hauptsachlich das Gesicht befallender Hauterkrankung vorgestellt
wurden. Die Veranderungen waren durch der Haut anhaftendes schwarzes Material gekennzeichnet und von
Hautrotung und Exkoriationen verschiedenen Grades begleitet. Ceruminale Otitis externa wurde bei 7 Fallen
festgestellt. Histopathologische Untersuchung von Hautproben zeigte markante Akanthose und
Krustenbildung, hydropische Degeneration und Dyskeratose der basalen Epithelzellen, ein gemischtes,
diuses, oberachliches Inltrat von Entzundungszellen und Talgdrusenhyperplasie. Malassezia
pachydermatis-Hefen und verschiedene Bakterien wurden von den Lasionen einiger Tiere isoliert, aber
antimikrobielle Therapie heilte keines der Tiere. Durch Glukokortikoide wurde eine variable und oft
unzulangliche Besserung erzielt. Eine zufriedenstellende Behandlung wurde nicht gefunden und die Ursache
dieser Erkrankung ist unbekannt, obwohl eine genetische Basis moglich ist. [Bond, R., Curtis, C. F.,
Ferguson, E. A., Mason, I. S. und Rest, J. (Eine primare Gesichtsdermatose der Perserkatze.) Veterinary
Dermatology 2000; 11: 3541.]

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