Cat Tail Hair Loss: Be Alert for a Possible马尾Skin Condi

Dear cat lovers, if you've noticed that your feline's tail is shedding excessively and feels greasy to the touch, with blackheads or pustules on the skin, be wary. These could be signs of a condition known as 'tail gland hyperplasia' in cats.

What is 'Tail Gland Hyperplasia'?

Also referred to as sebaceous dermatitis, tail gland hyperplasia is a condition where the cat's tail experiences an overproduction of skin oils.

The base of a cat's tail is rich in sebaceous glands, which normally secrete a small amount of oil to moisturize the skin and prevent dryness, as well as to mark territory with a unique scent. However, when these glands overproduce oil, it can lead to clogged follicles, resulting in blackheads, acne, and boils on the skin. This can cause symptoms like hair loss, itching, and pain. In severe cases, it can lead to swelling, pus formation, and even infection of the entire tail.

Causes of Tail Gland Hyperplasia:

The excessive production of sebaceous glands in cats may be related to factors such as a highfat diet, stress, frequent bathing, a lack of Vitamin B, and estrus. Generally, unneutered male cats are more prone to this condition, as hormonal fluctuations during mating season can increase their androgen levels, leading to a surge in sebaceous gland activity. In rare cases, neutered males and females can also be affected.

How to Treat Tail Gland Hyperplasia:

1. Early Stage: The cat's tail hair is greasy and prone to matting.

Treatment: Clean the tail with physiological saline or chlorhexidine solution daily, without the need for medication.

2. Intermediate Stage: The tail hair is greasy and yellow, the tail is shedding, and there are blackheads and comedones on the skin.

Treatment: Clean the tail with chlorhexidine solution daily, dry it, and apply a small amount of Batodin (chlorhexidine gluconate solution). Maintain a clean environment.

3. Advanced Stage: Severe hair loss, rough, red, itchy, and painful skin on the tail.

Treatment:

1. Fit the cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from biting its tail.

2. Shave the affected area and surrounding hair, rinse with physiological saline, express the pus from boils, and then apply iodine for disinfection.

3. Apply chlorhexidine gluconate solution and Fuan (zinc oxide ointment), maintain a light diet and a clean environment.

4. Secondary Infection: Skin ulcers, pain, red swellings, or pus.

Treatment:

1. Shave the area, rinse the ulcer with hydrogen peroxide, apply iodine for disinfection, and fit the cat with an Elizabethan collar.

2. Spray the skin with Pipute Skin Spray and apply zinc oxide ointment twice a day.

3. Administer Esud (cefadroxil tablets) to control the infection once a day.

4. Cats with recurrent symptoms should consider spaying or neutering.

Remember, while tail gland hyperplasia is a common cause of tail hair loss in cats, other conditions such as fungal infections, eczema, parasitic infections, or bacterial infections can also lead to hair loss. If the symptoms do not match those described, it's important to consult a veterinarian for a skin scrape test to determine the cause and receive targeted treatment.