Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 12/18/2005

Question
I have adopted a stray cat, and I have noticed that she's pulled all the hair out of her inner leg.  There are several large bumps/growths on this area.  She appears to be healthy exept for this area and some minor irritations on her lower back.  I plan on treating these other areas with Benadene, but I am getting worried about her leg.  There is no oozing, bleeding, or puss on the area.  Sometimes it is red, as though she has been biting it, but for the most part it is pink or very light beige like the rest of her skin.  I would like to take her to a vet if this is a serious problem, but I thought it would be a good idea to find out what kind of disease could cause this.  Perhaps you can recommend a web site with pictures for me to compare her to?  I appreciate any help you can offer.

Answer
Any time a cat is losing hair or pulling it out, it is a problem.  It could be something that itches the skin making her more aware of that area, or it could be something like an eosinophilic granuloma.  Have your vet look at it to be sure as to what it is and what you can do to make it better.