Acral Lick Dermatitis In Cats: Symptoms And Treatment
Acral lick dermatitis in cats, also known as neurodermatitis, is a stereotyped, self-manipulative behavior in which the feline maintains a pattern of licking behavior without an apparent purpose.
As this act triggers a release of endorphins in the brain, the feline will continue with this pattern. This can occur even when a painful cutaneous granuloma appears on the surface of the skin.
Acral lick dermatitis in cats is often the result of stress or boredom in house-bound cats. However, it is often also a response to an allergen or other dermal irritant that requires a differentiated diagnosis.
Excessive licking is often related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can also be a clinical sign of an underlying condition. Once a sore (granuloma) appears, the feline will continue to lick the area, which causes the skin to become infected, irritated and numb.
Symptoms of Acral Lick Dermatitis in Cats
The main clinical sign of acral dermatitis caused by licking in cats is the act of repeatedly licking an area of the body. This type of dermatitis is commonly found in the carpal (wrist) joints or forelegs.
Cat owners will notice red, moist, irritated sores and ulcers on the skin and localized hair loss.
As the behavior continues, these ulcers can develop into granulomas. A granuloma is a fleshy pink mass that often causes the skin to thicken.
When trying to shave any uncomfortable areas, the cat may continue to lick repeatedly and end up causing more irritation.
Sometimes licking can become unconscious and habitual. This causes the animal to continue licking the area even when it no longer feels uncomfortable or itchy.
Causes of Acral Lick Dermatitis in Cats
True acral dermatitis in cats is a neurological and obsessive disorder that arises from boredom, stress and inactivity. A feline that does not receive daily stimuli, such as playing or hunting, will look for ways to be entertained.
Licking releases endorphins (happiness hormones) in the brain and replaces the need for activity.
However, acral lick dermatitis can also be a self-manipulated behavior caused by allergies, trauma, neoplasms, fungi or bacterial infections.
Mites from mites and insects, as well as hormonal problems (such as hyperthyroidism), nerve dysfunction, or a reaction to a foreign body can also cause the cat to lick itself repeatedly.
Diagnosis of Acral Lick Dermatitis in Cats
Acral lick dermatitis in cats can be easily diagnosed on physical examination. This is because over-licking granulomas are easily visible on the skin. In order to identify the underlying cause of the self-handling behavior, a veterinarian will ask the cat owner about the cat’s lifestyle, routine, and how he spends his free time.
The vet will also ask about any recent changes in the house. For example, a new pet or a baby that may have stressed the feline. Cats are creatures of habit and can be easily disturbed by change, so any information is helpful in the diagnostic process.
Acral lick dermatitis in cats can also be a clinical sign of an underlying health problem. In order to rule out other probable causes of this type of dermatitis, the veterinarian will perform a differential diagnosis.
A skin scrape, bacterial cultures and a histological examination of the skin will help eliminate external problems. To identify an internal health problem, the veterinarian may order X-rays, urine analysis and blood tests on the feline.
Treatment
The treatment of acral lick dermatitis in cats is variable and depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial skin infections that have caused or result from licking are treated with an antibiotic. Fungal skin infections are commonly treated with a topical antifungal cream applied to the affected area.
Usually a cone type collar or bandage is used on the feline to prevent destruction of the affected area. However, the neurological causes of this condition are difficult to treat.
The veterinarian may prescribe an anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication to help relieve the feline’s stress. In these cases, you can go to a feline behavior specialist to specifically address the cause of the animal’s need to lick excessively.
