Causes of马尾病 in Cats: Understanding the Origin

Feline Stud Tail, a skin disorder caused by endocrine imbalances, commonly affects male cats during their estrous period. This condition arises due to an overproduction of male hormones during prolonged estrus, leading to hormonal disturbances and excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands. Consequently, the dorsal aspect of the tail develops blackheadlike skin lesions. If the cat licks these areas, it may lead to bacterial infections.

Symptoms of Feline Stud Tail:

During the estrous period, male cats experience an excessive secretion of oils from their sebaceous and apocrine glands in the tail area, which are used to mark territory. When this secretion becomes too abundant, it results in blackheadlike skin lesions without causing pain. There may also be waxy secretions on the fur. Feline Stud Tail can progress to folliculitis, pyoderma, or even cellulitis, leading to pusfilled sores and the spread of infection to healthy skin tissue.

Causes of Feline Stud Tail:

1. Overproduction of hormones leading to excessive sebaceous gland secretion and enlargement, commonly seen in unneutered male cats, as well as in neutered males and females.

2. Psychological or physiological disorders that result in excessive oil secretion.

3. Conditions such as obesity or skeletal diseases that prevent the cat from grooming its fur effectively.

Common Affected Areas:

Feline Stud Tail is characterized by sebaceous dermatitis on the tail's dorsal side, hence the name "Stud Tail." However, similar conditions can also occur in other areas with high concentrations of sebaceous glands, such as the chin, back, eyelids, and perioral region. The chin is particularly prone to these symptoms, which include blackheadlike lesions and mild hair loss, often referred to as "black chin."

Commonly Affected Breeds:

Breeds commonly affected by Feline Stud Tail include Himalayan, Persian, Siamese, and Sphynx cats. It is most prevalent in unneutered male cats, but a few neutered males and a few females may also be affected.

Preventive Measures for Feline Stud Tail:

1. Neuter male cats as soon as they are healthy and in estrus.

2. Monitor their diet, as cats fed highfat diets are more prone to obesity and, subsequently, Feline Stud Tail.

3. Increase the cat's daily exercise to promote fat consumption and metabolism.

4. Maintain cleanliness in the affected areas, and regularly bathe the cat with an appropriate shampoo, such as a herbalbased product like Phytoseb Shampoo, to reduce surface oil buildup and prevent bacterial growth.

For more information on treating Feline Stud Tail, refer to "Treatment Methods for Feline Stud Tail" or consult with an online veterinarian for further guidance.