Cat skin problems can be difficult to diagnose. Veterinarians will first try and classify the skin problem based on its appearance. Cat skin lumps and bumps or lesions (problem area on the skin) tend to fall into certain broad categories.
Types of Cat Skin Problems
Macule: A macule is a area of the skin where there is a change in color. Common causes are some type of inflammation or injury.
Picture of Macule on Cat Nose
Papule: A papule is a type of lesion that is elevated. If it is large it is called plaque. This type of cell inflammation is commonly called a neoplasm (which refers to any type of cells, not just papules). A bigger papule is called plaque. A neoplasm can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancerous that spreads).
Picture of Cat Skin Papule
Postule: A postule is an area on the skin that is filled with pus. Pus is caused by white blood cells that are sent to kill a foreign invader such as bacteria or a fungus. The dead cells create a lump on the skin called a postule.
Picture of Cat Skin Postule
Vesicle: This is a lump underneath the skin that is filled with an unusual amount of fluid (called edema).
Picture of cat skin vesicle
Wheal: A wheal is a raised area that tends to heal by itself in minutes or hours. It is an area with increased redness or has a pale color when compared to surrounding areas. It is also referred to as a cat hive with symptoms such assevere itching. Common causes includecertain foods or drugs, infection, insect bites or allergy.
Picture of cat skin wheal (hives, insect bites)
Nodule: A nodule is a larger elevated bump on the skin. Causes include an abnormal cell growth (neoplasm that is benign or malignant). It can also be caused by bacterial or fungul infection.
Picture of cat skin nodule
Tumor: A tumor is a large tissue mass. It is caused by abnormal cell growth (neoplasm that is benign or malignant) or due to some type of inflammation.
Picture of cat tumor
Feline Miliary Dermatitis: Collection of small bumps in a red areas of skin. There are multiple causes.
Picture of Cat Miliary Dermatitis
Types Cat Skin Problems
Cat skin cysts - these are usually benign (non-cancerous) lumps under the skin that can be found anywhere on your cats body.
Cat skin warts - these are benign (non-cancerous) bumps on the skin
Cat Skin Cancer
Cat Skin Rash
Dry Skin
Common Causes of Cat Skin Problems
Diabetic Dermatitis
Feline Skin Allergies
Fleas
Mites (mange, scabies)
Feline Skin Infection
Symptoms of Feline Skin Disorders
Symptoms of feline skin problems include:
* Dry, flaky skin
* Red, irritated looking skin called skin lesions
* Loss of hair (called cat alopecia)
* A dry, dull-looking coat
* Lumps or bumps on or under the skin
* Red patches on the skin
* Round raw lesions on the head, hips and chest called cat hot spots
* Scaly patches or scabs on the skin
* Your cat may scratch or lick her skin excessively (called pruritis)
Diagnosis of Cat Skin Problems
Your vet will examine your cat’s skin carefully as part of a complete examination. In order to properly diagnose skin ailments, various tests may be needed. Tests might include:
* Examining skin under a special light (a woods lights)- this is done to check for certain fungal infections such as ringworm.
* A biopsy - in this test, a needle is used to remove cells from a lump to be examined by a pathologist. This can determine if a lump is cancerous or if it is just a cyst or wart.
* Blood tests - might be done to check for infections and certain nutrient deficiencies.
The location of the cat skin disorder can also indicate the type or problem your cat might have. For example feline skin problems on the ear can indicate mites or food allergy, a facial problem could be mange and near the tail is most likely a problem with fleas. Certain breeds are associated with cat skin problems. There are also problems that are unique to kitten skin.
Treatment of Cat Skin Problems
The treatment of the diseases and conditions associated with feline skin problems depends on the exact disease or condition.
Treatment may involve oral or topical medications. Medicated shampoos may be prescribed. If your cat has scratched herself too much, antibiotics may be necessary, as a secondary bacterial infection may have set in.
Treatment may also involve surgical removal of any lumps or bumps from your cat’s skin. This is usually only done if the growth is cancerous or if it seems to be bothering your pet. If it is benign and is not causing your cat discomfort, it can be left alone.
If your cat’s skin is affected by poor nutrition, treatment will involve making corrections in the diet. Ask your vet to recommend a high quality cat food. If necessary, you can feed a prescription diet available from your veterinarian.
Sources
Dermatologic Examination
R.S. Mueller
Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Carter, G.R., Wise, D.J., and Flores, E.F. (Eds)A Concise Review of Veterinary Virology
The Pet Center
Pet Education
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