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By BRUCE KAPLAN, D.V.M.
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 11, 2001
Question: I have a neutered male cat who is playful, active and seemingly happy, but there is something wrong because he is losing his fur. His hindquarters are almost bare, including his back legs and under his tail. He has hair loss in numerous other spots.
He has been to the veterinarian's twice. The first time I was told that he was under stress and should just live with it. At the second visit about a month ago, the veterinarian said he had an allergy. He was then injected with a steroid, and the doctor said that was the end of it. It was not! The condition is now worse than ever. There are no red spots or scabs, and I was assured this is not contagious. We also have another cat, his sister, who as a perfect hair coat and no such problems. Do you have any idea what is going on?
Answer: Determining the cause of a cat's skin disease can be a challenge. Your veterinarian has already taken the first steps toward the final diagnosis. It is important to determine whether your cat is removing his own hair by overgrooming or if it is falling out. Conditions that cause the hair to actually fall out, such as hormonal imbalances, are uncommon. Since some cats are secretive about their excessive grooming habits, your veterinarian may need to examine a few of the affected hairs under the microscope to see if they have been broken off from this self-grooming practice.
Hair loss due to overgrooming is one of the most common problems seen in feline patients. Cats usually do this for one of two reasons. They may feel itchy, causing them to lick and break off their hair in those areas they cannot reach to scratch with their back legs. A few cats will overgroom as a nervous habit similar to people chewing their fingernails. It is sometimes difficult to determine which is the case in some patients.
External parasites, especially fleas, are a common cause of overgrooming in the cat. Keeping your cat indoors is useful but does not completely protect him from flea infestation because fleas may enter your home on clothing and shoes. The fact that your other cat is unaffected does not eliminate external parasites as the culprit since some cats react more dramatically to flea allergy than others. Ringworm, a fungal infection, can also cause itching and hair loss.
Your veterinarian may need to perform special tests to determine your cat's specific problem. Allergies that cause itching are very common reasons for self-induced hair loss. Cats can become allergic to their food (even foods they have eaten for years) and to inhaled pollens, dust, molds, etc. in the air. A special hypoallergenic diet trial may be necessary to determine if food is the offender.
Allergic skin testing, similar to that done in people, may also be necessary to ascertain the presence of allergies induced by various inhaled substances. Unusually difficult or complicated cases may prompt your veterinarian to refer you to a board certified veterinary dermatologist for more specialized testing if initial tests and treatments are inconclusive.
Usually a specific treatment plan can be devised with excellent results. With persistence and patience, your cat will likely return to his former glory. -- Deborah A. Edwards, D.V.M., diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Feline Practice), All Cats Hospital, Largo
Dr. Bruce Kaplan is a veterinarian editor/writer. Please send questions to Ask a Veterinarian, Pinellas Animal Foundation, P.O. Box 47771, St. Petersburg, FL 33743-7771. Because of the volume of mail, personal replies are not possible. Questions of general interest will be answered in the column.