Exfoliative dermatitis, an uncommon cause of chronic weight loss

An uncommon cause of chronic weight loss which should be suspected when accompanied by exfoliative dermatitis (peeling, crusting skin lesions) with lesions that contain numerous eosinophils.

Multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease in three donkeys
J Comp Pathol. 2023 Feb 13;201:105-108.

Authors
Georgios Paraschou 1 , Polly E Vogel 2 , Alison M Lee 3 , Ryan F Trawford 4 , Simon L Priestnall 5
Affiliations

1 Pathology Laboratory, The Donkey Sanctuary, Brookfield Farm, Offwell, Honiton, Devon, UK; Department of Pathobiology & Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. Electronic address: paraschoug@hotmail.com.
2 Veterinary Department, The Donkey Sanctuary, Brookfield Farm, Offwell, Honiton, Devon, UK.
3 NationWide Laboratories, Newton Abbot, UK.
4 Pathology Laboratory, The Donkey Sanctuary, Brookfield Farm, Offwell, Honiton, Devon, UK.
5 Department of Pathobiology & Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.

Abstract

Multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease (MEED) is a rare condition of equids characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of multiple organs. Clinical signs are variable depending on the affected organs. The most common clinical signs include chronic weight loss, diarrhoea and exfoliative dermatitis. Respiratory distress and raised liver enzymes are less frequently seen. The cause is unknown and the pathogenesis is poorly understood. There are less than 50 reported cases of horses with MEED. We now document the lesions in three donkeys with fluctuating or chronic loss of weight, lethargy, exfoliative dermatitis and peripheral eosinophilia. All three animals were euthanized due to poor prognosis and welfare concerns. Post-mortem examination revealed multiple white to tan, irregular masses composed of eosinophilic infiltrates, including eosinophilic granulomas in several organs, confirming the presence of MEED. To the best of our knowledge, MEED has not previously been reported in donkeys.

Keywords: donkey; eosinophilia; liver; multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease.

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