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General Information
Psychogenic dermatitis is a disease of cats that involves intense
licking of a local skin area. The cat's barbed, rough tongue causes
severe irritation to the skin. This exposes sensitive nerve endings,
stimulating the cat to lick even more and so produce further damage.
The cause may be skin irritation or infection, ear or anal sac
infections, or simply a nervous habit. Eventual hair loss and
extensive skin damage result.
Psychogenic dermatitis is frequently due to an anxiety precipitated
by a change in environment, such as a new pet or baby, new
surroundings, boarding, loss of a companion pet or family member, or
being threatened by a neighboring cat or insensitive family member.
Siamese and Abyssinian cats are most likely to be affected.
Important Points in Treatment
1. If the cat's licking can be stopped, the sores heal quickly. In
many cases, however, breaking the itch-lick cycle is very difficult
and requires much patience from the owner.
2. Direct application of medication to the sores rarely helps,
since the cat usually licks it off immediately.
3. Treatment consists of oral or injectable medications designed to
stop the cat's licking. In some cases, barriers to licking, such as
bandages or obstructing collars, are beneficial. Sedation may also
help.
4. A thorough analysis of any recent environment changes may reveal
the underlying cause, which may then be corrected.
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:
* Your cat continues to lick the skin.
* Your cat develops new sores, or the condition spreads.
* Your cat's signs return after apparent recovery.
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