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Cats/Hair Loss

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Expert: - 11/5/2007


Question
Smokey is a 16 year old Berman who used to have long thick beautiful fur.  
For several months he has licked his backside and back legs almost to the
point of hairlessness.  I use Advantage, no sign of fleas; he has been checked
by the vet resulting in a good health report; appetite and energy are
good..but he keeps licking!  As he is older I do not want to use a steroids.  Is
his behavior normal for an older cat?  Any ideas or suggestions?


Answer
Hi Sharron,

Licking like that is not normal. Usually it is a result of flea allergies; but you are using the right stuff. It takes about 3-4 weeks before you will see any results from that. The next step is to take him back to the vet to see if it is a skin infection, a fungus, or parasite. This takes some time to figure out what is wrong. Talk to your vet about a thyroid problem.
Cortisones won't hurt him. They should help. Try some on him. See how he is. It could be because he is bored.

This is a process of elimination to see what is wrong. It takes time. You need to work closely with your vet with this matter. Ask about using an antihistamine like Chlorpheniramine. This helps. Good luck and I wish I could have helped you more. Write back and let me know how he is.

Ciao, Karen  

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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