SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS IN A CAT - FULFILLMENT OF THE AMERICAN-RHEUMATISM-ASSOCIATION CRITERIA WITH SUPPORTIVE SKILL HISTOPATHOLOGY

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was diagnosed in a 9-year-old castr ated male Persian cat. The cat described is the first to fulfil four o f 11 American Rheumatism Association criteria for the diagnosis of SLE in humans (symmetrical facial dermatitis, thrombocytopenia, positive antinuclear antibodies, oral ulceration) with supportive skin histopat hology. Haematological abnormalities included a mild anaemia and sever e thrombocytopenia. Skin disease consisted of symmetrical multifocal a lopecia with crusting, predominantly on the face. Histopathology of th e skin revealed interface dermatitis and interface folliculitis with f ollicular atrophy. Complete remission was obtained with corticosteroid therapy.