Herpesvirus dermatitis in two cats without facial lesions.

BACKGROUND: Cats with feline herpesvirus (FeHV-1)-associated dermatitis typically present with ulcerative lesions on the rostral muzzle and nasal planum. This report describes FeHV-1 dermatitis in the flank region, in the absence of facial lesions.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Clinicians should be aware of this unusual manifestation of FeHV-1 dermatitis to prevent potential misdiagnosis.

ANIMALS: A 12-year-old male castrated Bengal cat and a 3-year-old male castrated Siamese cat with plaques and ulcers in the flank region are described.

METHODS: Formalin-fixed biopsy samples were obtained from lesional skin. Histopathology and FeHV-1 immunohistochemistry were performed.

RESULTS: Each sample had epidermal and follicular necrosis with a dense dermal infiltrate of eosinophils. Few to moderate numbers of intranuclear inclusion bodies were present in keratinocytes. The presence of FeHV-1 in the lesions was confirmed with immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Feline herpesvirus-associated dermatitis should not be ruled out based on the location of the lesion, because a correct diagnosis is imperative for proper treatment. Future studies to assess the cause of lesions at this unusual site are warranted.