© Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital FELINE DISEASES
Eosinophilic Gastroemteritis
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is an inflammatory condition
of the gut of cat and occasionally dogs. Eosinophils are one of
the body's white blood cells (defence cells) which are mainly
triggered to respond to allergens and parasites. In the case of
EGE there is an overreaction the cause of which is unknown. This
can be part of a more generalized syndrome where many organs and
the skin are infiltrated by eosinophils called hypereosinophilic
syndrome. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea (+/- blood) weight loss
and anorexia. Skin lesions often appear as ulcers around the mouth
and ventral (underside) body. Blood tests show a high eosinophil count however gut biopsy is
used to confirm diagnosis. The generalized syndrome carries a poor prognosis with a high
mortality rate. Response to treatment with corticosteroids is
often limited. Where the condition is confined to the gut surgical
removal of severely effected gut segments may be beneficial. Related sites |