Evaluation of the correlation between Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis and Feline Extent and Severity Index and skin hydration in atopic cats

Background Evaluation of the severity of clinical signs of cats with allergic skin diseases has used two scoring systems: Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD) and the Feline Extent and Severity Index (FeDESI). The integrity of the cutaneous barrier can also be evaluated by measuring skin hydration. A correlation between the clinical score and skin hydration has been observed in humans and dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). Hypothesis To demonstrate a correlation between the clinical score and skin hydration of cats affected with presumed AD. Animals European short hair cats (n = 18): 11 females and seven males with a confirmed diagnosis of AD. Methods SCORFAD and FeDESI scores were calculated and the measurements of skin hydration were assessed from seven body sites using corneometry. The correlation between the SCORFAD and FeDESI systems and skin hydration of each site, and the average skin hydration was calculated. Results There was a positive correlation between the SCORFAD score and skin hydration for the axilla, thorax and forelimb; for FeDESI and axilla and lumbar sites. There was a negative correlation between the FeDESI and skin hydration for the pinna (r = −0.47). Conclusions and clinical importance Measurements of skin hydration could be a useful tool for the evaluation of allergic cats. There is limited evidence of any useful correlation between clinical scoring systems and measurements of hydration. The pinna may be a suitable region for the assessment of skin barrier function in normal and allergic cats. Résumé Contexte L'évaluation de la sévérité des signes cliniques des chats atteints de maladies allergiques dermatologiques est basée sur deux méthodes de scoring : le SCORFAD (Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis) et le FeDESI (Feline Extent and Severity Index). L'intégrité de la barrière cutanée peut également être évaluée par la mesure de l'hydratation cutanée. Une corrélation entre le score clinique et l'hydratation cutanée a été observée chez l'homme et le chien atteint de dermatite atopique (DA). Hypothèses Démontrer une corrélation entre le score clinique et l'hydratation cutanée des chats présumés être atopiques. Sujets Des chats européen (n=18): 11 femelles et sept mâles avec une DA confirmée. Méthodes Les scores SCORFAD et FeDESI ont été calculés et les mesures de l'hydratation cutanée ont été réalisées sur sept zones du corps par corneométrie. La corrélation entre le SCORFAD, le FeDESI et l'hydratation cutanée de chaque site et