Importance of early diagnosis, multimodal treatment, and a multidisciplinary approach for oral eosinophilic lesions in cats: a retrospective study of 38 cases (1997–2022)

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize the clinical and histopathologic features of oral eosinophilic lesions in cats. Animals 38 client-owned cats. METHODS The medical records database was searched for cats diagnosed with histologically confirmed eosinophilic oral lesions from 1997 to 2022. Information such as medical history, lifestyle factors, clinical presentation, and radiographic and histopathologic features was included for 38 client-owned cats. Response to treatment and long-term follow-up was also recorded. RESULTS The most affected site was the tongue, with approximately half of the affected cats showing signs of oral discomfort and difficulty eating or breathing. Ulcerative lesions were common, with two-thirds of patients showing more than 1 site affected. Histological samples had a classic appearance, whereas some had an atypical appearance characterized by degenerate collagen clusters associated with multinucleated giant cells. A significant association between lesion location, clinical signs, and prognosis was also found, with patients with palatal lesions being more likely to show respiratory signs and less likely to respond to treatment. Finally, treatment response was observed in most cases within 2 months of commencing therapy combining antimicrobial, and immunosuppressive treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The results of this study demonstrate the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of cases of oral eosinophilic lesions in cats. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for a multimodal approach to treatment which should include antibacterial therapy. Of no less importance is that other systems may be affected in these patients, warranting a multidisciplinary approach to their management.