Cat Skin Treatment
Cat skin treatments depend on the nature of the underlying disorder. In the document "Manifestations of Feline Allergy," Joseph Bernstein, DVM, of Louisiana State University`s School of Veterinary Medicine explains that allergies, infections or parasitic infestations are responsible for most feline skin problems. Common conditions include intense itching, self-inflicted hair loss, miliary dermatitis and a characteristic pattern of lesions known as eosinophilic granuloma complex. Once a veterinarian determines the cause of the ailment, effective treatment can begin.
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Glucocorticoids
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Veterinarians sometimes use a class of steroid hormones known as glucocorticoids to treat the inflammation and itching that occurs when a sensitive cat is exposed to flea bites, allergenic foods or mosquito bites.
Bernstein cautions that although cats are generally more tolerant of this kind of therapy than dogs, adverse reactions are possible. Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity or advanced age increase the risk. Whenever possible, it is preferable to treat the underlying cause rather than use glucocorticoids to treat the symptoms.
Antihistamines
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Histamines are compounds that stimulate immune reactions such as swelling and inflammation. Veterinarians sometimes recommend antihistamine medications, such as fexofenadine or chlorpheniramine maleate, to reduce the immune reactions associated with allergies. The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine notes that veterinarians often prescribe antihistamines to cats and dogs, but warns that human medication should never be used for animals except on the advice of a veterinarian.
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Fatty Acids
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Like some human diets, many pet foods contain a preponderance of omega-6 fatty acids. According to the International Omega-3 Learning and Education Consortium for Health and Medicine, an imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid consumption can lead to an increased inflammatory response. Supplemental omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of pure fish oil or specially formulated food, may help improve inflammation associated with allergic dermatitis, and may act synergistically with antihistamines or glucocorticoids.
Cyclosporine
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Cyclosporine is an immune-suppressing drug that is often used in human patients to prevent organ transplant rejection. In cats, cyclosporine's immune-suppressing properties can reduce the itching, swelling and inflammation associated with common skin disorders. Bernstein notes that preliminary anecdotal evidence for this treatment is promising, especially in the case of eosophilic granulomas and miliary dermatitis.
Behavior Modifying Drugs
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Sometimes mental, not physical, disorders are responsible for cat skin problems. Excessive grooming, either as a holdover from prior conditions or purely as a self-soothing technique, may cause widespread hair loss and skin irritation.
In these cases, the Tufts University paper "Feline Compulsive Behavior" explains that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine or tricyclic antidepressants effectively reduce the anxiety that seems to trigger this behavior.
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References
- "Annual Dermatology Continuing Education Conference"; Manifestations of Feline Allergy; Joseph A. Bernstein, DVM; 2006
- Vet Med: Most Human Medications Are Not Safe For Pets
- International Omega-3 Learning and Education Consortium for Health and Medicine: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Improve Pets' Coat and Skin
- Medline Plus: Cyclosporine
- Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine: Feline Compulsive Behavior
Resources
- Photo Credit cat on the yard image by rafalwit from Fotolia.com
