Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline atopy in three littermates.
- Journal:
- Veterinary dermatology
- Year:
- 2001
- Authors:
- Moriello, K A
- Affiliation:
- Department of Medical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This report looks at three sibling cats who all developed a skin condition that made them very itchy. The itching started when they were 6 months old, and their owners noticed them pulling out their hair, grooming excessively, and rubbing their faces. The cats were treated for possible ear mites and fleas, but nothing seemed to help, and their symptoms got worse. After trying various treatments, including a special diet and flea control, the veterinarians concluded that the cats had feline atopy, which is an allergic reaction that can cause itching. The treatment for this condition worked, leading to an improvement in their symptoms.
Abstract
This case report describes the history, clinical signs and diagnosis of a pruritic skin disease in three sibling cats living the same household. Clinical signs consistent with pruritus (i.e. hair pulling, hair loss, excessive grooming and face rubbing) were first noted when the cats were 6 months of age. The cats were treated for a possible ear mite and/or flea infestation; there was no response to treatment and clinical signs progressed. Although the presence of pruritus in a multiple cat household suggested an infectious or contagious aetiology, none could be identified. There was no improvement in clinical signs after a 60-day flea control trial, three treatments of ivermectin, an 8-week restricted diet or removal from the home for 10 days. A diagnosis of feline atopy was made on the basis of elimination of other causes of pruritus, consistent history and clinical signs, a positive intradermal skin test and response to therapy.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11420934/