Rodent ulcers, also known as eosinophilic ulcers, are skin ulcers that can arise from trauma or underlying disease processes. They are common in cats and can be a sign of feline leukemia virus. In humans, they may be linked to tumors. Treatment involves steroid medication and monitoring for changes. It is important to get evaluated by a doctor and take care of the ulcer to prevent complications.
Rodent ulcers are ulcers that appear around the lips and face. Historically, people thought they were the result of rodent bites, explaining the name. In fact, rodents are not involved in this type of ulceration, better known as eosinophilic ulcer, because it is characterized by the presence of eosinophils. This skin problem can arise in response to a variety of issues, including underlying disease processes and trauma, and it’s important to get evaluated by a doctor.
Cats are prone to developing rodent ulcers, usually from trauma to the face. The damaged area becomes inflamed, blood cells known as eosinophils flood the area, and an eosinophilic ulcer develops. The ulcer can be treated with steroid medications to reduce its size and by monitoring for any signs of changes. The ulcers can be found on the nose, around the lips and inside the lip and can cause significant discomfort to the pet.
In cats, rodent ulcers can sometimes be a sign of a problematic underlying disease process such as feline leukemia virus. For this reason it is important to take a cat to the vet when an ulcer appears around the lips or face so the vet can examine the ulcer and take a sample for examination in a pathology laboratory. A pathologist can determine the origins of the ulcer and check for signs that it is associated with a serious medical problem.
In humans, rodent ulcers may also be linked to tumors. Some cancers cause increased levels of eosinophils, which can make people more prone to developing rodent ulcers. A rodent ulcer can be diagnosed by taking a swab of the ulcer and examining it under a microscope; the presence of eosinophils is a clear sign. As with cats, in human patients it is important to find out what caused the ulcer, as this can influence the approach to treatment.
Like other ulcers, rodent ulcers should be well cared for. Skin breakdown can create an opportunity for infectious agents to enter the body, making the ulcer worse and potentially creating complications for the patient. During the healing process, such ulcers can be washed gently with soap and warm water and patted dry after cleaning. They should be covered with makeup, as this can cause irritation; people who find a rodent ulcer unsightly can cover it with a bandage.
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