If your cat is outstandingly fidgety , it might be time to go to the veterinary surgeon .
Miliary dermatitis in cats is an allergic reaction - related tegument condition that causes a crustlike scarlet rash . khat with this condition be given to scratch or work out themselves excessively . But do n’t worry — it ’s treatable .
We spoke with a veterinarian to learn the crusade , sign , and treatment of feline miliary dermatitis .
Photo: Alexandra Jursova / Getty
What Is Miliary Dermatitis in Cats?
Miliary dermatitis in cats is an incendiary skin condition do byvarious allergen , leading to scabbing , itching , and pain . This fervour takes place when a cat has a systemic reaction to one or more allergen to which they are sore . A efflorescence can come along , causing kitty to lick , bite , or scratch , which can bend into awful lesions with strikebreaker .
Feline military dermatitis , also called scabby cat disease , is not typically a serious circumstance at first , but infections may occur if left untreated . The password " miliary " is used because the crusty lesions resemble disperse millet seed . The term " dermatitis " describes inflammation of the cutis .
What Causes Cat Miliary Dermatitis?
Miliary dermatitisis typically make by an inherent condition , unremarkably an allergy . " The most common reason of miliary dermatitis in cats is aflea allergy , " say Christine Sellers , DVM , and veterinary advisor forCat Person . " It can also be have by environmental allergies ( pollens , house dust mites or storehouse mites , molds , other pets ) , seasonal allergies ( pollen ) , intellectual nourishment allergic reaction , skin parasites ( mangeorear mites ) , and autoimmune disease . "
Other potential causes include drug reaction , alimental deficiency , and infections triggered by bacterium , barm / fungus kingdom , or viruses . Feline military dermatitis can affect bothindoor and outdoor catsbecause allergen can well be plant in the home ( including fleas ) .
Signs of Miliary Dermatitis in Cats
The master sign of miliary dermatitis in cat may be gentle to see while pet your cat — you’ll likely feel humble bumps spread over the skin in one or more regions of your cat ’s body . You may also notice your cat curry more than usual or scratching too . Watch for the following sign :
If you note these or any other strange signal , your feline friend may have miliary dermatitis or anotherskin condition . It ’s best to consult your veterinary surgeon so your true cat can get some respite .
Is Feline Miliary Dermatitis Contagious?
Feline miliary dermatitis is not contractable to human , other cat , or other ducky . However , if the underlying grounds is afungus , leech , or bacteria , that perpetrator can be passed on to people and pets . That ’s why anin - person travel to to your vet is always recommendedif you notice your cat is uncomfortable or has abnormal skin .
Cat Miliary Dermatitis Treatment Options
The best treatment for miliary dermatitis in cats depends on the underlying cause . Your veterinary will do an exam and may need to bunk a assault and battery of tests to figure out what ’s causing your cat ’s skin issues . Many cat are first handle with antihistamine and essential fatty acid ( EFAs ) to excuse the itchiness . Further treatment is target at the source of the allergy .
Do not attempt to use house remedies , such as cocoa palm oil , to handle your cat ’s skin unless your vet recommends it . These may do more hurt than dependable .
vender shared these testimonial base on the cause of your cat ’s sensitized chemical reaction :
Fleas
To control fleas , use an effective monthly flea preventative recommended by your vet . Revolutionis a topical root that also kills mite , so if the quat has a house dust mite or memory board pinch allergy , this production will also handle that .
Mange
If sponger , mange , or fungus are to blame , your cat ’s miliary dermatitis can be handle with the appropriate medication prescribed by your veterinary . This may admit topical and/or oral intervention .
Food Allergies
nutrient allergy mostly cause inflammation and excessive grooming of the abject belly and inguinal sphere , fount , center orbit , and neck . nutrient allergy examination can be done by your veterinarian and the offending protein sources can be obviate from the dieting , or an elimination dieting trial can be done over a serial of weeks or months . Your veterinary surgeon may also advocate a hypoallergenic dieting or hydrolyzed protein dieting based on your individual cat ’s motivation , but always consult your veteran before changing yourcat ’s dieton your own .
Environmental Allergens
inhalation and pollen allergies can induce inflammation of the inside thighs , the abdomen , chest , interior forelegs , neck , and back talk . If antihistamines and EFAs are not enough , your vet may dictate a sex hormone , immunosuppressive drug , orimmunotherapy ( allergy shots)to treat this character of allergen .
Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune disorders may get ignition at the nail beds , nipples , around the eyes , and ear edges . Steroids or immunosuppressive drugs are also often used to plow this eccentric of ill .
Infections
If bacteria , yeast / fungus , or viruses are to fault , your Arabian tea ’s miliary dermatitis can be treated with the appropriate medicinal drug prescribed by your veterinarian . This often involves multiple topical and oral medications .
What’s the Prognosis for Cats with Miliary Dermatitis?
Once it ’s driven what the cat is allergic to and the allergen is removed , miliary dermatitis can typically be make do . Of course , it ’s virtually impossible to remove some allergens from your cat ’s environment , and the cutis condition can recur . Often , it occupy a combining of therapy to battle the unlike allergen and bring relief to your pet . It may also need multiple follow - up visit to the veterinarian .
