Hair loss alopecia in cats symptoms + treatment
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Hair loss, or alopecia, can be caused by a variety of factors, and in some cases, it may be a sign of a serious health problem. It may be localized to one or more specific areas known as hot spots. In this article, we will discuss the causes of hair loss in cats, how to treat it, and what you can do to help your cat regain its lost hair. The information presented here is not meant to replace professional veterinary diagnosis and treatment. If your cat displays any symptoms of hair loss, ask your vet to examine your pet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember, your cat's fur protects its skin, so fur loss can become a serious problem if left untreated.
What is Cat Alopecia?
Similarly, mite infestations, like demodectic or sarcoptic mange, can cause hair loss. It is important to follow through with the treatment plan that your vet has suggested and stick with it even if you don’t see immediate improvement. In time, cat hair loss should resolve and your cat should be back to its old self. In cases of alopecia caused by allergies, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or immunosuppressive drugs to reduce any inflammation or sensitivity in the cat’s skin. In some cases, a special diet may be necessary to reduce the cat’s symptoms. Cats can develop food allergies and environmental or seasonal allergies, contributing to itchiness, hair loss, and secondary bacterial infections.
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Pain is another fairly common cause of hair loss that may be more subtle. Your cat may incessantly lick their fur not from itchiness, but from pain, in an effort to relieve the pain or discomfort. Of course, like in cases with allergies, your cat may inadvertently end up licking away the hair too. This can happen with conditions like arthritis or even injuries and medical conditions, such as a urinary tract issue, when they excessively lick their genital area.
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Displacement grooming can lower a cat’s stress level, helping to calm the cat and deflect aggression from other individuals. It is common to see a cat who’s in a stressful situation suddenly begin to groom. A wide range of underlying conditions can cause hair loss, some of which can be life-threatening.Prognosis depends on the underlying cause.
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Most cases of alopecia secondary to external parasites respond well to treatment. Commercially available anti-parasitic medications can kill and protect cats against external parasites for a certain amount of time. Once external parasite infestation is eliminated, inflammation and itchiness are controlled, and fur will start to grow back.
Cat Alopecia: Why is Your Cat Losing Hair?
Cat owners should also ensure that their cat is getting adequate nutrition and a balanced diet to support healthy hair growth. No matter what the cause, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your cat. With the right care and attention, your cat can regain their beautiful coat. Finally, if the cat has a bacterial or fungal infection, your veterinarian may prescribe oral antibiotics, antifungal medications, or steroid injections to help fight the infection. If parasites are the cause then a parasite treatment for your cat and your home can be prescribed.
Common locations for hair loss due to fleas include along the back, near the base of the tail. Regular flea treatment is recommended to prevent and address this issue. Since most hair loss is due to the skin being itchy, medications to help reduce itching like anti-inflammatories and antihistamines may be used. Your vet may also advise using a plastic cone or shirt to help protect them from further licking or scratching until the underlying issues have been addressed.
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Food Allergies in Cats
Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, greasy or unkempt hair, excessive thirst and urination, increased vocalization or activity, and insatiable appetite. Luckily, in most cases, hyperthyroidism can be easily controlled with medication or radioactive iodine therapy (I-131). Cats can get skin infections from either bacterial or fungal microorganisms. Skin infections in cats occur as either uncomplicated infections or secondary to a possible inflammatory or allergic skin problem. Infection-induced alopecia occurs when a bacterial or fungal microorganism penetrates the skin’s protective barriers and grows within the superficial layer of the skin. Acquired alopecia, on the other hand, is a type of hair loss that develops secondary to an underlying cause.
Another reason cats commonly over-groom and cause sudden hair loss is stress and anxiety (sometimes called Psychogenic Alopecia). You’ve heard of the phrase “tearing your hair out” when under pressure, and this can be true for upset cats. More unusually but also possible, cats can over-groom an area if it’s causing pain(e.g., a sore joint). For endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism or Cushing’s disease, treatment involves managing the hormonal imbalance. This could be through medication, diet modifications, or, in some cases, surgery. Finally, reducing stress for your cat can help promote healthy hair growth.
Unfortunately, the lack of diagnostic specificity for this condition can prove challenging, especially if the client insists on a quick fix. It is beyond the scope of this article to describe in detail the clinical appearance and treatment of each of the various causes of alopecia in cats. Instead, the article lists common differentials and provides a logical algorithm for approaching these cases. Use a preventative treatment that protects against all parasites, including fleas, mites, heartworms, and ticks. Be sure that any preventative you use is specifically formulated for cats, as many canine products are toxic to cats.
Once the cause for the alopecia in cats has been found, you should hopefully have a happy and healthy pet again! Make sure to brush up on your knowledge on destructive cat behaviours and how to avoid it, next. Treatment of allergic skin diseases can take a little longer but, with the help of a veterinary dermatologist, once the offending food or substance is found, a plan can be put in place to avoid it. Hormones can cause a cat to lose their hair, either through changes in the cat’s skin or by changing the cat’s immune system.
Massage shampoo into the coat, making sure to get down to the skin. Some unusual cases may need additional testing like a skin biopsy or may be referred to a specialist veterinary dermatologist. As a first diagnostic step, your vet will do a thorough physical exam, focusing on the skin and coat and looking for evidence of pain or any fleas. Originally opened as Animal Care Hospital by Dr. Mark Johnston in 1989, the hospital became Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital in 2015 when it was purchased by Drs. The name 'Cornerstone' holds a special place in their hearts, representing not only their Christian faith but also their commitment to being the cornerstone of the community in which they practice. As a family-owned and operated practice, every pet is treated as part of the family, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care.
If cat hair loss is due to stress, the cat should be provided with a supportive and calm environment. Additionally, cat owners could also look into dietary changes or supplements to help promote hair growth. Grooming products such as medicated shampoos may also help stimulate cat hair regrowth. Consult with your vet for advice on how to help cat hair grow back. If your cat’s hair loss is due to an underlying medical condition, your vet may prescribe certain medications or treatments that are specific to that condition. For example, if the cat has an infection such as ringworm, your vet may prescribe a topical antifungal medication.
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These can occur in the mouth and elsewhere on the body, especially the chin or lower belly. While the exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be triggered by environmental allergies or food allergies. The compulsion may start because of some irritation to the skin (as above), and then potentially continue on habitually, even after the inciting problem has resolved. Other cats will groom excessively for solely emotional reasons – a change in environment, a new family member, or some other stress. Your vet may recommend calming supplements with probiotics that can help cats cope with stress. These conditions can be extremely irritating, causing your cat to itch, scratch, and overgroom.
However, there are occasions when your vet may decide to take a small skin sample from your cat under anesthetic or to perform an allergy skin test to check for cat skin conditions. Alternatively, they may take a blood sample to look for underlying diseases that could be causing your pet’s hair loss. Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common cause of itchy skin in cats and luckily is also the easiest to prevent! This means that cats with FAD may not appear to have any fleas at all on inspection as they will be so irritated they will groom them all off.
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