Feline Rolling Skin Disease

Feline rolling skin disease is more formally known as feline hyperesthesia, and this condition can result in severe behavioral and physical changes in a cat. Though this disorder is not well-understood, information is available that can contribute to the continued health of your cat.

  1. Symptoms

    • This condition is characterized by suddenly manic or aggressive behavior, frantic grooming to the point of self-injury and extreme sensitivity to touch. The cat's skin may also visibly ripple or roll, giving this disorder its common name. A cat who is affected by feline rolling skin disorder is prone to loud, angry vocalizations and sudden mood swings. These symptoms can intensify to the point of becoming seizures, and they will recur every day or every few days.

    Time Frame

    • There is a strong tendency for this disorder to occur among cats that are fully mature, and it most commonly strikes cats that are between 1 and 4 years old. Siamese cats also seem to be more vulnerable to this condition than other breeds.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Though there is no certain cause of feline rolling skin disease, there are several possible causes. According to Petplace.com, stress seems to be a contributing factor, and it may be possible that feline obsessive-compulsive disorder plays a part. The condition may also result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, genetic predisposition or lesions in the muscles along the spine that can cause greater sensitivity.

    Identification

    • There is no test that confirms feline hyperesthesia. Instead, other conditions like diabetes, brain infections, poisoning and parasitic infection must first be ruled out. This issue is confirmed through ruling out other issues and a positive response to the measures used to treat feline hypersthesia.

    Solution

    • There are a number of different solutions used for this condition. Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms, as can a regularly scheduled meal time, which will reduce stress. Anti-depressant and anti-obsessional drugs like clomipramine and fluoxetine can be helpful, as can anti-convulsant drugs like phenobarbital.