The Investigation of Feline Alopecia
January 2016
in “
Companion animal
”
feline alopecia pruritic skin conditions allergies ectoparasites infections immune-mediated diseases neoplasia endocrine issues metabolic issues hair cycle arrest trichography pruritus food trials allergy testing haematology biochemistry endocrine function tests thoracic radiography abdominal ultrasound skin biopsy cat hair loss itchy skin conditions parasites immune diseases cancer hormonal issues metabolic problems hair growth arrest hair analysis itchiness blood tests hormone tests chest x-ray belly ultrasound skin sample
TLDR Cats lose hair due to itching or health issues, needing various tests for diagnosis.
Feline alopecia, a common issue in cats, could be self-inflicted due to pruritic skin conditions like allergies or ectoparasite infestations, or spontaneous due to factors such as infections, immune-mediated diseases, neoplasia, or endocrine/metabolic issues causing hair cycle arrest. Diagnosis involves trichography and specific tests for the type of hair loss, with pruritus investigations including ectoparasite elimination, food trials, and allergy testing. For spontaneous hair loss, tests include haematology, biochemistry, endocrine function tests, thoracic radiography, abdominal ultrasound, and skin biopsy.
