Miliary Dermatitis

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Miliary Dermatitis

By: Dr. Mark Thompson

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Section: Information In-depth

Miliary dermatitis is a pattern of skin reaction to an itchy or an infectious skin disease. Cats with this symptom have small bumps on their skin that are topped with crusts accompanied by hair loss in the affected region of skin. Most commonly the lesions are found over the rump, along the back, and around the neck and chin. This is the most common skin reaction pattern seen in cats.

Miliary dermatitis is usually caused by some sort of an itchy (pruritic) skin problem that leads to self-mutilation. On close observation, it is apparent that the cat is scratching, chewing or licking their skin excessively. Often, excessive grooming is not recognized because it is normal to see cats licking their hair coats. The actual lesion is a papule, which is a raised, red, small bump in the skin. When there are several of these lesions, it is called a papular rash.

Less commonly, this symptom is seen because of a more severe disease that has suppressed the immune system, allowing infectious agents like bacteria to infect the skin.

Causes

By far the most common cause of this symptom is flea allergy. Fleas are seldom recognized as a problem is cats with flea allergy because fleas and flea dirt are removed by the excessive grooming. It is therefore important to remember that a lack of fleas does not rule out flea allergy.

Skin parasites can cause intense itching and miliary dermatitis. Mites like Notoedres cati, Cheyletiella blakei, Demodex cati, and Otodectes cynotis (the ear mite) are examples. Lice species also can cause this symptom.

Ringworm is a fungal skin disease that is caused by one of the dermatophyte fungi. This problem is common in cats, particularly in kittens that come from catteries, shelters, pet stores, or any other place where cats from different sources are co-mingled. Rather than the classic circular, hairless lesion that is seen with some cases of ringworm, miliary dermatitis may be seen.

Pyoderma (bacterial skin infection) is another cause of miliary dermatitis. Pyoderma may be induced by another itchy skin disease that causes breakdown of normal skin defense mechanisms. Additionally, diseases that suppress the cat's immune system may lead to secondary skin infections. A cat that is sick and has miliary dermatitis should be worked up for an underlying immunosuppressive disease.

Autoimmune skin diseases are rare in cats and may cause miliary dermatitis. Drug reactions may also cause a similar lesion.

Poor nutrition and infestation with intestinal worms may also lead to this symptom.

Stress may lead to excessive grooming and miliary dermatitis. This condition is called psychogenic licking. It is a rare cause of this symptom.

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1Pruritus (Itchiness) in Cats
How pruritus affects your dog’s health depends on the degree of the pruritus. Severe pruritus leads to intense scratching, which may result in painful skin lesions that may become infected.
Read More
2Skin Discharge or Odor in Cats
Skin odor is a common manifestation of a skin infection; the most common skin infections are bacterial (superficial pyoderma) and yeast (Malassezia dermatitis) infections.
Read More
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Most pets develop allergies to food ingredients that they have been fed for a long time, usually more than two years. In fact, if your cat has an immediate adverse reaction to a new food, it is probably...
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5Skin Lesion or Sore in Cats
There are many different types of skin lesions that can occur in the skin of cats, and each lesion or combination of lesions can be caused by multiple diseases and conditions.
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6Endocrine Alopecia in Cats
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8Alopecia (Hair Loss) in Cats
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1Pruritus (Itchiness) in Cats
How pruritus affects your dog’s health depends on the degree of the pruritus. Severe pruritus leads to intense scratching, which may result in painful skin lesions that may become infected.
Read More
2Skin Discharge or Odor in Cats
Skin odor is a common manifestation of a skin infection; the most common skin infections are bacterial (superficial pyoderma) and yeast (Malassezia dermatitis) infections.
Read More
3Food Allergy in Cats
Most pets develop allergies to food ingredients that they have been fed for a long time, usually more than two years. In fact, if your cat has an immediate adverse reaction to a new food, it is probably...
Read More
4Sarcoptic Mange in Cats
Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) is a highly contagious disease caused by microscopic mites that invade the skin of healthy cats and kittens and create a variety of skin problems.
Read More
5Skin Lesion or Sore in Cats
There are many different types of skin lesions that can occur in the skin of cats, and each lesion or combination of lesions can be caused by multiple diseases and conditions.
Read More
6Endocrine Alopecia in Cats
Endocrine alopecia is a rare skin condition of cats that is hypothesized to be hormonal in origin. Affected cats experience thinning of the hair or hair loss, which has a similar bilateral distribution...
Read More
7Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Cats
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Read More
8Alopecia (Hair Loss) in Cats
Alopecia is the complete or partial lack of hair in any area of the skin where hair would normally be found. In cats, it may be caused by self-trauma, hair follicle diseases or the failure of hair to grow...
Read More
9Atopy in Cats
Atopy is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy to substances in the environment. It can be difficult to diagnose in cats and, therefore, is probably under-diagnosed.
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Miliary Dermatitis

Miliary Dermatitis

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