What is feline eosinophilic granuloma complex?
Feline eosinophilic complex, or EGC, is a group of skin and mouth conditions in which the predominant inflammatory cell is the eosinophil. Eosinophils are white blood cells that normally circulate in the blood and show up at sites of various inflammation in small numbers. EGC is caused when a large number of the gather at one site and cause inflammation. They look distinctly different from other white blood cells under the microscope. It is not completely known why these huge clusters of eosinophils form but usually an allergy or local immune mediated disease is associated. These lesions can look very different from each other but are all itchy and painful. EGC can occur in many places and take many forms. These are the most common: Redness, swelling and even ulceration (rodent ulcer) of the lips Bumps and rows of bumps or raised ridges along the front of the neck or back of the legs Swellings in the mouth with or without gingivitis Red and swollen paw pads, one foot or more can be aff
