Lola suffering hair loss !!!!!

[Vito]

Hi All, Have noticed over the last few days that Lola is pulling her fur out from the top of her hind leg and flank. The skin is not broken and does not appear to be irritated or sore looking, infact t's very smooth. She has just turned 1 year old, no changes to diet, up to date on parasitic treatments and generally a very happy, playful girl. I don't think or believe her to be stressed, there's no bullying going on that I see and she plays constantly with Vito and Franco who are not displaying any similar problem. Did try to snap a quick photo but the little pocket rocket won't stay still. First time I've came across this with any of my Savannahs and would appreciate any input or advice, thanks in advance.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

When you say parasitic treatments, you mean she is up to date on flea meds? As that is a common cause of overgrooming even if you don't see the fleas. What are you using for flea control as I've heard from my vet that not all are working as well as they used to on this...

It could be food allergies, or an allergy to litter if you use a plant-based litter.

 

[Vito]

When you say parasitic treatments, you mean she is up to date on flea meds? As that is a common cause of overgrooming even if you don't see the fleas. What are you using for flea control as I've heard from my vet that not all are working as well as they used to on this...

It could be food allergies, or an allergy to litter if you use a plant-based litter.

Hi Brigitte, yes up to date on flea meds, always use Fibrotec it's a combination flea/tick treatment, when or if that's not available, I use Front line. We've had her since she was 16 weeks old (she's 1yr now) and she's always been fed the same diet with no changes. Their litter is wood pellet type, which was also used by breeder.
It's a bit puzzling really as there's been no changes to anything. I know cats will overgroom if stressed but I really don't see that being an issue here as she seems very contented and her usual happy little self.
Do you think it could be down to her moult?? Obviously I won't let it continue much longer without seeing our vet, it's just that it's the first time any of the guys have had this problem. Thanks for your prompt reply. Much appreciated.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Allergies can happen when there were none before. So not changing things whilst good information doesn't rule out her developing one. You could try just changing the litter, use paper pellets maybe for a couple weeks and see? Or crystals?

I hadn't heard of Fiprotec but looked it up and it seems to be specifically for prevention of flea dermatitis so that seems a good thing.

Food allergies can develop over time. My Zari was fed mostly rabbit for her first three years but then developed an allergy to it and now eats chicken for that reason (opposite to most cats who need the reverse change!)... her allergy showed with vomiting but I have heard of food allergies causing skin irritation.

Given you are sure she is not stressed to overgroom, my tendency would be to suspect allergy of some sort, but yes best to see your vet! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[Vito]

Yes I think it must be an allergy Brigitte, I'll try her on different litter first then do elimination with her different foods and see how she goes on that, she did actually have a little turkey on two consecutive days , I wonder if that could be the cause. I suppose it will just be a question of elimination until I find the cause. Will keep you posted on what happens, again thanks for your advice, have a good weekend.

 

[Vito]

Allergies can happen when there were none before. So not changing things whilst good information doesn't rule out her developing one. You could try just changing the litter, use paper pellets maybe for a couple weeks and see? Or crystals?

I hadn't heard of Fiprotec but looked it up and it seems to be specifically for prevention of flea dermatitis so that seems a good thing.

Food allergies can develop over time. My Zari was fed mostly rabbit for her first three years but then developed an allergy to it and now eats chicken for that reason (opposite to most cats who need the reverse change!)... her allergy showed with vomiting but I have heard of food allergies causing skin irritation.

Given you are sure she is not stressed to overgroom, my tendency would be to suspect allergy of some sort, but yes best to see your vet! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Hi Brigitte, Just a little update on Lola, changed her litter and food and still she was pulling out her fur, it was quite distressing not knowing what was affecting her, however I did a little more research and think I've sussed out her problem, I believe it is a pollen allergy, she's been spending the hot morning and evenings at the open windows watching the birds, along with her little trips in the garden. The pollen counts have been quite high here in rural Scotland, so I thought about trying her on an antihistamine (5mg Citrizine) and to my amazement within a few hours of having administering it, she hasn't so much as pulled a single hair out. Going to continue with it for another couple of weeks and see how she goes. Fingers crossed she will be fine now.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Oh that is really great that you saw such a quick response! When I was researching antihistamines and cats a while back (my beloved Baz developed allergies and asthma), it seemed that it wasn't as effective as in humans. We did try both cetirizine with Baz but it didn't seem to do much for him. But like humans, what works for one doesn't always work for others. Singulair is a wonder drug for me, but others don't find it helps much at all!
If it seems to be pollen counts, then looking at getting a good HEPA air filter to reduce the allergens for her inside the house would be a good move too maybe..

 

[Vito]

I'm very pleased the ceterizine seems to be working for her, like yourself, I have used antihistamines in the past with my dearly departed Rags but to no avail, so I wasn't expecting such results with Lola. Re/ Hepa air filter, that sounds a good idea, I will look into that, if it's going to help, I'm all for getting one.
At the moment we have a happy little Lola and a relived mama

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

HEPA air filters help me with my allergies and asthma, and they helped Baz a lot...just he would insist on going out into the enclosure all the time so when not confined to a room with the air filter... still it does help!

 

[Vito]

HEPA air filters help me with my allergies and asthma, and they helped Baz a lot...just he would insist on going out into the enclosure all the time so when not confined to a room with the air filter... still it does help!

Will definitely get one, I feel if anything is going to make her more comfortable then it's worth trying, although like your Baz, she likes to go outside. I appreciate your advice as always.