Diagnosing Skin Conditions in Cats

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  • Cats are susceptible to several skin conditions, and many skin diseases have similar symptoms. To determine the type and underlying cause of the skin problem, several diagnostic tests are available. We look at common tests used to diagnose skin conditions in cats.

    The veterinarian will perform a physical examination of the cat and obtain a medical history from you; questions may include:

    • When did symptoms develop?
    • Are symptoms seasonal?
    • Is the cat on any medication?
    • What parasite treatment are you using?

    Symptoms of skin diseases in cats

    • Lumps and bumps
    • Itching
    • Miliary dermatitis (firm, scabs often located on the cat’s back, close to the base of the tail)
    • Scabs (especially on the neck and back)
    • Hair loss
    • Excessive grooming
    • Patches of red or scaly skin
    • Fleas or flea dirt in the coat, or salt and pepper debris (flea eggs and feces) in or around the cat’s sleeping area

    Diagnosing skin diseases

    Flea comb

    Diagnosis: Fleas

    Fleas are a common parasite in cats, and many will develop an allergy to flea saliva when the flea feeds on the cat.

    The flea comb is the fastest, easiest and cheapest diagnostic tool in the veterinary dermatologist’s arsenal. The veterinarian runs the comb through the coat to pick up fleas or flea debris.

    Wood lamp examination

    Diagnosis: Ringworm

    A simple way to diagnose ringworm is to use an ultraviolet Wood’s lamp (also known as a black light) on your cat, although only around 50% of ringworm strains will show up. The infected hair shafts will glow a fluorescent green when exposed to a Wood’s lamp.

    Skin scraping

    Diagnosis: Sarcoptic mange, cheyletiellosis (walking dandruff), ringworm, chiggers, miliary dermatitis, notoedric mange, eosinophilic granuloma complex.

    A skin scraping test is a simple diagnostic test in which a sample of skin cells, hair follicles, and hair samples are obtained using a scalpel blade scrape to scrape through the epidermis and down to the dermis. It is necessary to scrape deep enough to reach mites, which often burrow quite deeply. You will see a small amount of blood as a result. The sample is then evaluated under a microscope (cytology).

    Fungal culture

    Diagnosis: Microsporum spp. (ringworm) and Trichophyton spp.

    The veterinarian gently scrapes the surface of the skin with an unused toothbrush or plucks out some hairs from the affected area to obtain a sample. The sample is placed onto a culture medium which is stored in a dark and warm location to encourage fungal growth. It can take several weeks to obtain results.

    Food elimination trial

    Diagnosis: Food allergies

    The cat is fed a novel source of protein (duck, lamb, kangaroo) for several weeks to see if symptoms resolve. At this time, no other food (including treats) can be given to the cat. If symptoms improve after the trial, the cat is challenged, by slowly re-introducing the cat’s normal diet, one by one.

    Intradermal skin testing

    Diagnosis: Allergies

    This test involves injecting a small amount of several common allergens such as dust mites, pollens into an area of shaved skin on the side or belly. The area is evaluated 24-48 hours. If the cat has an allergy to any of these substances, swelling and redness will develop at the site of the specific allergen.

    Fine needle aspiration

    Diagnosis: Tumours and cysts

    A fine needle is used to obtain a small sample of mass or cyst to obtain a small sample of cellular material for microscopic evaluation (cytology).

    Biopsy

    Diagnosis: Pemphigus, eosinophilic granuloma complex, tumours, acne, systemic lupus erythematosus, allergies, fungal infections, cowpox, and many more skin conditions.

    A biopsy involves the surgical removal of a small sample of skin (or other tissue) which is evaluated under a microscope. There are two main types of skin biopsy, punch, and scalpel.

    • A punch biopsy uses a circular punch tool to remove a small section of skin.
    • The scalpel will be necessary to remove large skin samples, such as lumps on or under the skin.

    Author

    • Julia Wilson, 'Cat World' Founder

      Julia Wilson is the founder of Cat-World, and has researched and written over 1,000 articles about cats. She is a cat expert with over 20 years of experience writing about a wide range of cat topics, with a special interest in cat health, welfare and preventative care. Julia lives in Sydney with her family, four cats and two dogs. Full author bio