Pet Health > I have a 3 year old Cornish Rex. About a year ago, she ... >

I have a 3 year old Cornish Rex. About a year ago, she started licking excessively - it starts with her stomach and then to her back and front legs, even once to her neck. She licks so much her skin is raw. The vet scrapped her skin and there was nothing present. We have tried Chlorpheniramine orally which didn't do anything; a transdermal medication because they thought she was depressed which only irrated the skin in her ears and they were raw; changing her food to a unique protein source; gentamicin tropical spray which she licks off. The only thing that works is to give her a shot of methyl-pred/depo 20mg about every 3-4 weeks. I don't want to continue this as I'm afraid of the long term implications. Do you have any suggestions?

Optional Information:
Age: 3; Female; Breed: Cornish Rex Cat

Already Tried:
Already included in the request - Other option suggested was allergy shots on an ongoing basis. I think this would be too stressful for my cat.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

It sounds like an obsessive compulsive disorder. Discuss this with your vet as there are medications that she can be put on to take care of this. Another thing you need to rule out is a thyroid problem. So if they have not done this- request that they do. It just takes a little bit of blood to test for it and they may as well do a complete panel as it does not cost mush more. (At our clinic anyway- so you may want to ask just to be sure). Here are some very helpful links to the psychological aspects of cats licking hair off.

http://www.vetinfo.com/cathair.html

It could be this- this is what I was talking about. If you found this helpful please remember to accept it.

http://www.vetsoftware.com/acvc2002-virga1.htm

http://www.thepetprofessor.com/articles/article.aspx?id=352

Edited by jwarder on November 12 2005 at 12:38 PM

If my answer was helpful please click the green accept button My answer should not take the place of a Vet's diagnosis when needed. Positive feedback is most welcome and a bonus-though not required-is greatly appreciated no matter how small.

Related Answers