It started getting worse, so on November 19th she went to the vet. What began as a tiny patch on her front leg had now spread to her back leg.
The vet thought it could be one of two possible conditions... an allergy or stress. An allergy would be his first guess, so he said the easiest solution would be a steroid injection and if not better in a few days, it's probably stress-related.
The injection didn't seem to help, so that leaves the dreaded stress diagnosis.
His next course of action was to try to relieve stress by using Feliway. We went with the spray because we have 26ft ceilings and a diffuser just wouldn't cut it. He said you can actually spray the back of the neck with the spray and it hangs around like perfume. I've been doing that for about a week or so. I am sad to report she has not improved. We have also changed her from a chicken diet to a fish as a precaution.
Well, it's been about 3 weeks since the initial vet appointment and this is how Saylor looks now...
Another option would be to put her on anti-depressants. This thought actually makes me depressed. Saylor has the most awesome personality and she is my funny girl. Would these meds change her?
Have any other cat owners gone through this? I am all ears!!
9 comments:
Cousin Trooper has a similar problem. His Vet thought the same thing. It seemed to get better for a while but is worse again. They suggested Buspar.
Good luck! We hope you can figure it out.
The Florida Furkids
Oh no Saylor, we are so sorry you are losing your hair. We have never had that happen with the exception of a flea problem. If the steriod didn't help, I sure don't know any solution.
our foster girl Licorice had a similar problem. mom thinks it is partially stress (heaven knows where that girl wandered in from) and partly allergy. mom switched Licorice to grain free and it made a difference - not 100% but it did help. and she got a steroid shot that didn't help her either.....
Maybe it is stress. Angel Graphite had almost no fur on his back legs when I first adopted him -- probably the stress and depression of being at the shelter. He would also overgroom. Once he was settled in and secure and happy, the fur began growing back. After awhile, the hair loss was just a memory.
If it is stress, a low dose anti-depressant should not change her personality. Maybe you could try one of those calming collars?
Good luck. I hope you can figure out what is causing this.
Island Cats' mom Sue
I wish I had some suggestions - all I can do is send purrs Saylor's way!
We adore Saylor! We have not experienced this type of fur loss with our kitties. When Nigel first arrived he was so stressed out that he pulled out his fur so he went on a low dose of prozac for several months. He was subdued but it did help hiim and after 4 months we slowly weaned him off of it. I would try a grain free diet to see if that helps.
Oh, Saylor, sweetie, we are so sad to hear this. Hoping and purring you get some relief soon. (((hugs)))
Huge purrs for Saylor!
We wish we had some answers too.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure,Tiger and JJ
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