Diesel Oil-Induced Alopecia in Two Cats
January 2009
in “
Veterinary Dermatology
”
TLDR Cats exposed to diesel oil can lose hair but recover fully without treatment.
Two cats experienced rapid, symmetrical hair loss on their ventrum and limbs within 2 weeks after accidental exposure to diesel oil. The affected skin was dry with adherent scales, and a clear demarcation was observed in one cat. Despite the hair loss, the cats showed no systemic symptoms and fully recovered without treatment. Histological analysis of one cat's skin showed severe orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis and other changes. It was recommended to wash the skin and haircoat thoroughly with pure vegetable oil if a cat comes into contact with diesel oil.