Feline Symmetric Alopecia

Feline symmetrical alopecia refers to a condition in which cats lose hair in a specific pattern. The hair loss occurs equally on both sides of the cat and generally does not produce any conditions of the skin itself. Feline symmetrical alopecia is not a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying cause such as fleas or infection. Treatment for feline symmetrical alopecia lies in treating the underlying cause of the symptom.

  1. Predispositions

    • There are no known breed, age, sex or other predispositions for feline symmetrical alopecia in cats. All cats are subject to the condition equally. Cats that spend time outdoors maybe more susceptible than strictly indoor cats based on the exposure to fungi, bacteria, parasites and allergens in the environment.

    Causes

    • Causes of feline symmetrical alopecia include a wide variety of conditions including inhalant, food or contact allergic reactions. Other causes include stress, bacterial and fungal infections and most commonly skin parasites. Some veterinarians believe that hyperthyroidism can also cause feline symmetric alopecia and that the hair loss can be an early warning sign of the overproduction of thyroxin and other endocrine-produced hormones in the body. Pancreatic tumors have also been shown to cause symmetric alopecia.

    Presentation and Diagnosis

    • The presentation of feline symmetrical alopecia generally occurs on the thigh and torso areas. The cat will experience total hair loss in these areas with the same amount of hair loss on both sides. In rare cases, the hair will be lost in a more uneven distribution, making the coat appear moth-eaten. The diagnosis of feline symmetrical alopecia requires the diagnosis of the underlying cause. Tests including manually combing the cat looking for parasites and changing the diet and bedding to eliminate allergens will be performed. The microscopic examination of the skin and feces will also be performed in an attempt to diagnose the cause of the hair loss.

    Treatment

    • Treatment protocols vary for cats with feline symmetrical alopecia depending on the cause of the condition. Cats with flea infestations will be treated with an insecticide aimed at eliminating the infestation. If hyperthyroidism is to blame, medications and radiation therapy may be indicated to reduce the thyroid function. Allergens are removed from the environment and diet of cats with suspected allergies.

    Prognosis

    • The prognosis for cats that suffer from feline symmetrical alopecia is good; however, most will have several recurrences during their lifetimes. In most cases, proper medical management of the known underlying condition will prevent the recurrence of the condition. The proper use of flea control medications and regular visits to your veterinarian will help keep this condition under control.