Cat Rodent Ulcer

It seems to me unfair that rodents have their names attached to a disease they do not cause. The cause of rodent ulcers is not known, although researchers conjecture that the cause is either a derangement in the immune system or a virus.

A rodent ulcer is a thickened, red, and ulcerated sore most commonly found on the upper lip. Other areas that may be affected are the inside of the mouth, the spaces between the digits, the skin of the belly, and the back of the hind legs. Red lesions and blisters on the nose, legs, or body or in the mouth may also be part of the “immune-mediated diseases,” a new complex of diseases diagnosed by a biopsy and special immune studies.

Cat Rodent Ulcer Treatment

See your veterinarian as soon as possible, because early treatment is extremely important.

Most diagnoses of rodent ulcers are made easily by inspection. But sometimes the veterinarian needs to perform a blood test or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

If the infection is not too extensive, your veterinarian will inject corticosteroids directly into the sore and/or prescribe corticosteroid tablets to be taken for about a month. Most rodent ulcers will disappear if treated early – at least, the first time. Unfortunately, the recurrence rate is 10 to 25 percent within six months. Other modes of treatment for recurring rodent ulcers are megestrol acetate (Ovaban), agents that stimulate the immune system, radiation therapy, and surgery. Megestrol acetate (Ovaban) should not be used in intact (unspayed) females. Although it works well, it can have some side effects, such as increased appetite, water intake, urination, and weight gain. Cats treated with Ovaban may develop diabetes or hypothyroidism.

This disease requires patience from the veterinarian, the owner, and the cat because treatment is sometimes lengthy (in fact, a cat should be treated for at least a month with one agent before another drug is tried) and recurrences are not uncommon. But it is so satisfying to see the rodent ulcer respond to treatment and never come back.

If the cat is found to be suffering from rodent ulcers, the owner should take the cat for further investigation into the nature and the cause of the ulcer. The following is some information on cat rodent ulcers.

Cat Rodent Ulcer Information

A deep examination of the rodent ulcer should be made to find out whether the disease has originated from squamous cells, carcinomas, or fibro sarcomas. It would be quite a serious case if the disease happened to be one of the side effects of the incidence of the leukemia virus.
Rodents can also be caused due to the occurrence of dental infections or oral allergies. The weak immune system, change in diet, and bites of insects like fleas especially in the facial region. Though not medically approved heredity can also play the role of being one of the reasons behind the occurrence of cat rodent ulcers.
Though quite bothersome the occurrence of the cat rodent ulcer is temporary and can be easily healed under proper medication.

See more: Cat Rabies