Thank you so much Lora for your input, I have been in contact with my vet, we are taking a few steps to contain what ever it maybe since she can not get here for a few days, but I will talk to her about ECG because that is the closest example, of course nothing is ruled out right now.
Thanks again
Cherie
Lora <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Lora <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
My cat is going bald on her hind legs. Should I be
concerned?
Baldness, or alopecia, isn't "normal" in animals (with
exception of certain breeds, like the Chinese Crested
(hairless dog). So anytime a bald spot is noticed,
your veterinarian should have a look.
Extreme itchiness and the resultant licking, chewing,
biting will cause hair loss (traumatic alopecia). This
can be seen as blunted stubble in the affected area.
But what about situations where there isn't any
itching? When the skin looks normal - not red,
inflamed or seemingly bothered? You still need to have
it checked out. It could be a hormonal imbalance (i.e.
hypothyroidism - more common in dogs), ringworm, or
what is commonly known in cats as "psychogenic
alopecia". This is now recognized as an obsessive
compulsive behavior wherein the cat, continually
"over-grooms" an area, perhaps due to stress.
Another feline baldness condition is something called
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (ECG), and this is an
allergic condition in the skin, often with
accompanying scabby areas.
As you can see, there are many conditions that can
cause baldness with or without itching in cats and
dog. Other conditions not mentioned above include
parasites other than fleas (Demodex mites, Notedres
mites).
Also, look under "Feline Endocrine Alopecia."
http://www.bobmckee.com/Client%20Info/NewFiles/endocrine%20alopecia.html
NOTE: Not all fungi will "glow" under a Wood's Black
Lamp/Light. Cats CAN have skin/hair fungus infections
that do NOT put off a neon yellowish or greenish glow.
Just because you or your vet cannot see a "glow" does
NOT imply that the cat is fungus free.
The only way to 100% rule out ANY fungi infection is
via a hair CULTURE. Hair cultures are NOT the same
thing as a skin/hair SCRAPPING.
Furthermore, Ringworm is NOT the only fungus infection
that cats can contract (although it is the most
common.)
Unfortunately, cats can also contract Athlete's Foot
and Jock Itch, both in which are cousin fungi to
Ringworm.
Lora
Hi all,
I have a question my FeLV+ Amber has a skin problem,
she has formed two spots with no hair loss and some
scaling.....Does not glow so I do not suspect
ringworm, any thoughts? Thanks
Cherie
Have a purrfect day
Cherie
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