Feline Hairloss
My cat has
been losing her fur in patches (mostly on her legs and a little on her
chin). She does appear to be biting and licking those areas often. My vet
first thought it may be a fungus or an allergy of some sort (does not
believe it is mange and she does not have fleas). He gave her a shot of
an anti-inflammatory and the biting subsided only slightly. He feels that
she has feline endocrine alopecia. He suggested a hormone shot that would
last for months at a time and valium (she does display some neurotic
behavior!). Is there any other more natural treatment for this condition?
What causes this? Any advice you can give would be helpful.
Cats lose hair for many reasons. External parasites such as mange mites and fleas will make a cat itch, and lick the fur away. Fungi, like ringworm, will make sores and cause severe itching. Internal metabolic problems and hormone imbalances usually cause symmetrical hair loss. Many other causes of itching and hair loss are well documented.
The key to proper diagnosis involves a thorough history and examination, and laboratory testing. Lab tests may include skin scrapings, cultures, biopsies and blood tests.
In your cat's case, an allergy seems most likely. When a cats hormones become unbalanced, a cat becomes more sensitive to allergens in the environment. Food or inhaled chemicals can trigger the allergy. This is feline endocrine alopecia. Supplimenting the deficient hormone usually solves the problem. Simple blood tests can determine if this is the issue or not.
Make sure she does not have fleas, have the blood tests done and your veterinarian will likely treat with steriodal anti inflammatory medication.
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