allergy-caused granuloma
allergy-caused granuloma
Has anyone heard that tuna is a common allergy? Button (2 year old American short-hair with a fantastic disposition) has developed a small granuloma on his lower lip which doesn't seem to bother him but it has not responded to one week's antibiotic. The vet thought it might just be a lesion -- but it looked more like just a few small lumps and it looks the same now as when we started them. The thought now is allergy. He adores just a little tuna garnish on his Iams kibbled several times a day. He was allowed to be outside the first year or so of his life but we have converted him (without a ton of cooperation in his part) to the life of an indoor cat. We hate to deprive him of his beloved tuna if this is not a common allergy. Lynn
Re: allergy-caused granuloma
I don't think it's a common allergy culprit, but you never know with cats, they can develop a sudden allergy to anything.
You mentioned granuloma, but did your vet tell you it was an eosinophilic granuloma? These can occur due to a food allergy, but can also be caused by other allergic reactions, such as flea or insect allergy, other inflammatory response or genetic in nature. Antibiotics are usually not the first choice of treatment. Instead, corticosteroids (such as oral prednisolone) on a temporary basis usually will target the problem and will help your vet determine the type of granuloma. (whether indolent ulcer, plaque type or true granuloma type). If the current antibiotic approach doesn't limit the signs or symptoms or it persists, I'd opt for a short course of oral prednisolone. If a change in diet doesn't provide relief, and the lesions persist, opt for a biopsy to confirm.
You mentioned granuloma, but did your vet tell you it was an eosinophilic granuloma? These can occur due to a food allergy, but can also be caused by other allergic reactions, such as flea or insect allergy, other inflammatory response or genetic in nature. Antibiotics are usually not the first choice of treatment. Instead, corticosteroids (such as oral prednisolone) on a temporary basis usually will target the problem and will help your vet determine the type of granuloma. (whether indolent ulcer, plaque type or true granuloma type). If the current antibiotic approach doesn't limit the signs or symptoms or it persists, I'd opt for a short course of oral prednisolone. If a change in diet doesn't provide relief, and the lesions persist, opt for a biopsy to confirm.
..........Traci
Re: allergy-caused granuloma
Thank you for your response. The Vet did say he thought it was eonsinopholic granuloma. The week's antibiotics was because he wasn't sure whether it was a lesion he had scratched or the granuloma. It looks just the same so apparently it was not a lesion. He said if the antibiotics did nothing and since it was so tiny, we could wait and see if it went away. He's just newly an indoor cat and maybe keeping him in the house and changing his diet (any suggestions?), it might go away. A friend gave us a sample of "Physicians Remedy" which Button accepted O.K. We'd been using Iams kibbled. We've never had a cat and never expected to but he is such a love that he's very much a member of the family. Our grandchildren got him and then opted for a dog! We haven't stoppedthe tuna because he leans against the refrig and meows so pitifully. I'd rather it were an allergy to Iams than tuna! Lynn
Re: allergy-caused granuloma
As for diet suggestions, I would recommend a hypoallergenic specific diet, you can find recommedations here
If the dietary change doesn't provide relief, you might need to omit the tuna...or at least try another brand, also make sure the tuna is in spring water, never oil.
Again, if the lesions don't improve after the antibiotics, ask about the prednisolone....and concurrently try a hypoallergenic diet, if kitty responds to the diet, may be able to rule out granuloma. However, these do tend to reoccur (especially in times of stress), so if it occurs again, and in roughly the same area around the mouth, lip, tongue, etc, then speak to your vet about a possible biopsy.
If the dietary change doesn't provide relief, you might need to omit the tuna...or at least try another brand, also make sure the tuna is in spring water, never oil.
Again, if the lesions don't improve after the antibiotics, ask about the prednisolone....and concurrently try a hypoallergenic diet, if kitty responds to the diet, may be able to rule out granuloma. However, these do tend to reoccur (especially in times of stress), so if it occurs again, and in roughly the same area around the mouth, lip, tongue, etc, then speak to your vet about a possible biopsy.
..........Traci