{{Short description|Skin condition in cats}} {{no footnotes|date=April 2024}} thumb|Miliary dermatitis secondary to flea allergy In veterinary medicine, '''miliary dermatitis''' is a multifocal distribution of skin lesions, with no identifiable pattern. The term ''miliary'' means millet-like, as the papules on the coat of an affected cat feel similar to millet seeds.
==Causes== Miliary dermatitis is classified as a cutaneous reaction pattern of inflammation and can be the manifestation of a wide variety of skin allergies, infections or parasitic infestations. The majority of cases are associated with feline flea allergy dermatitis.
==Clinical Signs== Cats with miliary dermatitis have a rash consisting of fine papules surmounted by small crusts. Although most are unaffected by rash, where noticed a broad rash can be concentrated to the back of the neck, scapular (shoulder blade) and surrounding areas, and/or the lower abdomen and surrounding areas. Secondary infection with ''Staphylococcus intermedius'' is common. Signs include itchiness, "elevated grooming", and visible spots of fur-loss.
==Treatment== The basis of the treatment is identification and management of the underlying cause. Cats may also be treated with antibiotics and cortisone drugs. The disease may be chronic and recurrent.
==See also== * Cat skin disorders
== References == *{{cite book |author1=Linda Medleau |author2=Keith A Hnilica | title = Small Animal Dermatology A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide | publisher = Saunders Elsevier | date = 2006 | location = St. Louis, Missouri | isbn = 978-0-7216-2825-7 }} *{{cite book |author1=William H. Miller, Jr|author2=Craig E Griffin|author3=Danny W. Scott | title = Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology 6th Edition | publisher = WB Saunders Company | date = 2001 | location = Philadelphia, PA | isbn = 978-0-7216-7618-0 }}
Category:Cat diseases