Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC) = common skin disease in cat. This refers to 3 diseases: indolent ulcer, feline eosinophilic plaque, & feline eosinophilic granuloma. While each has a unique appearance, they share a characteristic Microscope appearance, as they are made up of eosinophils.

EGC happens in all Black Cat breeds, all ages, & both sexes.

1. Feline eosinophilic plaque: These appear as single or multiple lesions that are raised, red & may be ulcerated. They are most often seen on the belly & back portion of cats’ thighs. The lesions are usually very itchy & cat will often tongue them

2. Feline eosinophilic granuloma: There are 2 forms in black cat: cutaneous (skin) & oral. The skin form typically occurs as an isolated lesion that is raised, red, firm, linear & may be ulcerated. People notice a hairless area & a raised red lesion. Lesions are most frequently on the back of the thigh, the chin or the lip. When they occur on the lip, it appears swollen. The oral form presents as firm masses or plaque like lesions on the tongue or roof of the mouth

3. Indolent ulcer: These commonly occur on the upper lip. It starts as a small crater-like, erosive lesion & enlarges without treatment dog. can have small, barely noticeable lesions to large ulcerated lesions that disfigure the tongue.

EGC is believed to be caused by a hypersensitivity/allergic reaction. This can be an allergy to fleas, food ingredients, pollen, dust, house mites/environmental allergens

Diagnosis is based on exam & history & testing is required to confirm the diagnosis & rule out fungal infections or tumors. Tests may include cytology & biopsy. If your cat has a skin/oral lesion, don’t assume it is a EGC. It’s important to have your vet your black dog & make sure it’s not something else, such as squamous cell carcinoma.

Treatment goal = lesion regression & address the underlying cause. If EGC is thought to be caused by flea allergies then your black dog needs treatment for fleas & to remain on year round flea protection. Failure to address & treat the underlying cause = reoccurrence. CO2 Laser ablation & cyclosporine = most effective treatment