Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with itching and twitching improves on special diet
By N Ruiz-Suarez et al.·Published in Veterinární Medicína·2021·Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium, CZ·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Food hypersensitivity and feline hyperaesthesia syndrome (FHS): A case report
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-11-month-old spayed female cat was brought in for hyperactivity, excessive scratching and licking, and unusual urination behavior. After ruling out skin and neurological issues, the vet suspected feline hyperaesthesia syndrome (FHS), which can cause sensitivity and restlessness. Initially, the cat was treated with gabapentin, but there was no significant improvement. The vet then recommended an elimination diet using hydrolyzed protein, which led to a quick reduction in symptoms and allowed the cat to stop medication entirely. The cat has remained symptom-free, except for minor reactions, after avoiding non-hypoallergenic foods.
People also search for: cat scratching and licking · feline hyperaesthesia syndrome treatment · elimination diet for cats
Abstract
A 2-year-11-month-old female spayed cat was at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital of Ghent University presenting with hyperactivity, scratching and licking all over her body and an abnormal urination behaviour. Nothing remarkable was found on the dermatology and neurological examination. Based on the owner's history and video material, the presence of feline hyperaesthesia syndrome (FHS) was hypothesised. A symptomatic treatment with gabapentin was established for a month without any significant improvement. An elimination diet with hydrolysed protein sources was started and, as a result, the dose of gabapentin was reduced after three days and completely stopped after one week. With the exception of two non-intentional exposures to non-hypoallergenic diets and the challenge with new protein sources by the owner, the cat has been free of symptoms, with the exception of a slight reaction in the lumbar area (significantly reduced in comparison before starting the diet), and without the use of medication. In conclusion, an elimination diet should be considered as part of the diagnostic plan for FHS and should not be delegated to the last step if the patient's condition allows it.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.17221/118/2020-VETMED