Two cases of feline exfoliative dermatitis and folliculitis with histological features of cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Objective: Presentation of the clinical and histopathological findings in two cats with acute exfoliative dermatitis. Study design: Clinical case report. Sample population: Two adult male castrated European shorthaired cats. Results: Two cats were presented for the evaluation of exfoliative dermatitis. In both cases histological examination revealed lymphocyte-rich interface dermatitis and keratinocytes apoptosis as well as lymphocytic mural interface folliculitis. Adverse drug reactions, erythema multiforme complex, thymoma-associated dermatitis and cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma were ruled out and the diagnosis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus was considered to be likely. Therapy with cyclosporine A could control the disease. Conclusions: Exfoliative dermatitis in the cat may be associated with mural folliculitis and interface dermatitis. These changes are compatible with the diagnosis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Clinical relevance: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is considered rare in companion animals, especially in cats, and has never been described in association with exfoliative dermatitis.