Eosinophilic dermatitis: a clinical manifestation of persistent feline herpesvirus infection in a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

Abstract

Since 1984, there has been frequent occurences of a chronic, mutifocal, cutaneous ulcerative disease refractory to treatment in captive North American populations of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Histopathologic examination of skin sections revealed large numbers of eosinophils distributed throughout the dermis as well as the presence of intranuclear eosinophilic inclusions in follicular epithelial cells, which is classic for herpesvirus dermatitis. Feline herpesvirus, a member of the family alpha herpesviridae, is considered endemic in captive cheetah populations; a 2004 survey revealed that 5% of the North American cheetah population has been affected with this condition. This paper will discuss the epidemiology, pathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the cutaneous manifestation of feline herpesvirus in cheetahs.