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Question
I have a siamese mix we got from the humane society 2 1/2 years ago and he has started losing the hair on his back legs now it's coming off on his front legs. He doesn't lick or scratch at it, it's just slowly falling out and no scabs or signs of trauma. Is this normal?
No, it's not normal. The hair loss pattern sounds rather like he's licking his hair off, but since you're not seeing this, I haven't any idea what could be going on and would have to recommend a vet visit. Low thyroid can cause hair loss, but this is quite rare in cats. Autoimmune disease can cause it, too, but it usually causes irritation. Your vet will probably want to do a skin scraping to check for mites, bacterial and fungal infection. A special low-allergen diet might be recommended, too, in case it's related to a food allergy. If none of these things are found to be the culprit, then a referral to a dermatologist might be a good idea.
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Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
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