Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa

From Felipedia

Ulcerations on the gums and hard palate of a cat with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Same cat as above - note erosions and exfoliation of the footpads

Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa refers to a heterogeneous group of genetic, mechanobullous diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.

The diseases are characterised by spontaneous development of vesicles, erosions and ulcers, following minimal trauma, caused by excessive fragility of the dermo-epidermal junction. In the cat only two forms are seen: juntional epidermolysis (JEB) and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB)^[1].

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa

JEB is caused by clefting of the lamina lucida of the dermo-epidermal junction associated with abnormalities of the hemidesmosome/anchoring filament complex. These abnormalities result from mutations of genes encoding for various proteins in this complex. In cases reported in the cat, the protein abnormalities responsible have so far not been identified^[2].

References

1. ↑ Guaguere, E & Prelaud, P (2000) A practical guide to feline dermatology. Merial, France
2. ↑ Johnstone, I, Mason, KW, & Sutton, R (1992) Proc 2nd World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology, Montreal. pp:111