An abscess is a painful collection of pus at the site of a bite or puncture wound.
Abscesses form a firm swelling that becomes soft with time and can rupture and spill out purulent discharge. Related abscesses are found on a cat's forequarters or abdomen. They can sometimes appear near the tail of a cat is bitten while trying to flee.The best way to prevent abscesses is to keep your cat indoors.
2. Ear Mites:
If your cat is tilting and shaking their head, scratching at the ears and has excessive
brown or waxy material in their ear canal.They may have ear mites.This condition causes tremendous itching and irritation, and if left untreated can lead to bacterial infection. Ear mites are treated by applying ear drops that contain a mite-killing chemical and cleaning the ears with a cotton ball.
3. Contact Dermatitis:
Symptoms of this condition include red, itchy bumps and inflamed skin at the
site of contact with a chemical or other irritant. It can also be caused by rubber or plastic food dishes.
The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to keep cats away from areas where chemicals are being used and to feed your cats with glass,stainless steel or lead-free ceramic dishes.
4. Feline Acne:
In feline acne, comedones also know as blackheads, form on the underside of the chin and edges of the lips. Cat acne my be associated with plastic or rubber food and water dishes. In severe cases of this skin condition, antiseborrheic shampoos, such as those containing benzoyl peroxide or benzoyl peroxide gels are used to break down the excess oils.
5. Flea Allergy Dermatitis:
This cat skin problem is an itchy pimple like bumps that form over the base of the tail, back of the rear legs and inner thighs. Although many cats can get fleas and not have any reaction,in sensitive cats it can take just one flea bite to cause hours or days of symptoms. The best way to prevent flea allergy
dermatitis is with good flea control. Spot-on treatments sold at veterinarians office are typically the most effective, but there are a number of chemical free methods that can be effective when used properly.
6. Food Allergy Dermatitis:
Some cats are very sensitive to certain ingredients or preservatives in their food.This sensitivity can result in severe itching over the head, neck and back. along with swelling of the eyelids. It is often complicated by hair loss and oozing sores from constant scratching and biting. Treatment for this condition typically involves an elimination diet to see what ingredients the cat is reacting to. Some vets
may give steroid shots to ease the swelling and itching and give the skin a chance to heal from any damage.
7.Stud Tail:
Stud tail is caused by glands near the tail that excrete oils. The result is a greasy, rancid smelling waxy brown material at the top of the tail near the base.This condition is most often found in un-neutered toms, but fixed males and females cats can get it too. Treatment of stud tail in cats involves neutering if needed and twice daily washes with a shampoo to break down excess oils.
8. Ringworm:
Ringworm is a fungal infection that is highly contagious to other animals and to humans. Symptoms of this skin condition include round patches that show central hair loss with a red ring at the periphery. In some cats, it only shows as broken hairs around the face and ears. Ringworm requires veterinary
treatment with anti fungal medications and extensive cleaning and sterilizing of the home,.
9. Sunburn:
Cats with light colored fur and hairless breeds are very prone to sunburn. Should be kept out of direct sunlight between 10 am. and 2 pm. To reduce the risk of sunburn and minimize the long term risk of developing skin cancer such as melanoma.
10. Psychogenic Alopecia:
This is the thinning of the fur in a stripe down the back or on the abdomen cause by compulsive self grooming. Compulsive grooming behavior is often caused by stress, so treatment involves minimizing the affected cat's stress level through use of feline pheromone diffusers, creating a calm environment
and redirecting the cat's nervous energy through play. In severe cases, vets may recommend a short course of anti-anxiety medication.
No comments:
Post a Comment