• Usually first presented for veterinary attention with widespread skin lesions.
• Further examination may reveal that cat originally had a single skin lesion usually on the head, neck or a forelimb. These primary lesions vary in character from large abscesses or areas of cellulitis to small, scabbed papules or rodent-ulcer-like lesions. However, many owners describe primary lesions having developed from a small, bite-like wound.
• The widespread secondary skin lesions develop a few days to weeks (average, 10 days) after primary lesion is first noticed. Secondary lesions first appear small, randomly distributed erythematous nodules, which over 3-5 days develop into ulcerated papules up to 1 cm diameter. These quickly become scabbed.
• The lesions are often not pruritic, but may be if secondarily infected or when healing.
• The scabs dry and separate after a further 2-3 weeks. New hair soon grows and most cats are completely recovered in 6-8 weeks.
• Approximately one in five cats may also develop a mild, serous nasal charge, conjunctivitis or transient diarrhoea, and some cats may be depressed and anorexic.
• More severe or chronic systemic signs, or delayed healing of skin lesions result from secondary bacterial infection, especially of the primary lesion, or immunodeficiency either from corticosteroid treatment, severe concurrent disease (e.g. chronic renal failure) or infection with feline leukaemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus.
• Severe systemic signs, particularly evidence of pneumonia or in conjunction with underlying immunosuppressive disease, suggest a poor prognosis, and euthanasia might be considered.

Cowpox in exotic and big cats

---

Back to menu