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feline hyperesthesia ? ? ?
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bbeckwith17 posted:
Hi, my cat is a little over 1 year old, female, spay , front declawed, and indoor only. She weighs right around 8 pounds. She is a very vocal and fun cat that has many specific things she normally does. Recently, she began to ruffle her fur (or move it) on her lower back and now even her upper back. A few days ago she would even start to bite at her lower back and front arms when this was happening as though she had fleas. She also will twitch her ears alot when this is happening, and has even been running away to hide in a closet (not normal for her at all). We have given her a bath with flea shampoo, taken her to the vet and the vet found no signs of fleas.

I am very concerned for her seeing a complete change in everyday behavior. She runs away when all of this happens and does not seem to come back out until we force her to.

If it helps, she has not been sick, has all of her shots, seems to be eating fine, and has been using the kitten litter fine. (normal looking fices)

Please, any help is appreciated! Thanks!
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:feline hyperesthesia ? ? ?Hi, my cat is a little over 1 year old, female, spay , front declawed, and indoor only. She weighs right around 8 pounds. She is a very vocal and fun cat that has many specific things she normally does. Recently, she began to ruffle her fur (or move it) on her lower back and now even her upper back. A few days ago she would even start to bite at her lower back and front arms when this was happening as though she had fleas. She also will twitch her ears alot when this is happening, and has even been running away to hide in a closet (not normal for her at all). We have given her a bath with flea shampoo, taken her to the vet and the vet found no signs of fleas. <br /><br />I am very concerned for her seeing a complete change in everyday behavior. She runs away when all of this happens and does not seem to come back out until we force her to. <br /><br />If it helps, she has not been sick, has all of her shots, seems to be eating fine, and has been using the kitten litter fine. (normal looking fices)<br /><br />Please, any help is appreciated! Thanks!
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP responded:
Yes, it's possible you're dealing with hyperesthesia (sensitivity to touch.) No one knows what causes this syndrome but it may be related to mild motor seizures. If she has no skin lesions or parasites, a mild dose of anti-seizure medication may help. These medications can have reversible side effects (such as liver damage) and should be monitored with monthly lab tests. Also, initially monitoring her blood levels of the medication will determine the correct dose.

Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline Practice
Report This| Share this:feline hyperesthesia ? ? ?Yes, it's possible you're dealing with hyperesthesia (sensitivity to touch.) No one knows what causes this syndrome but it may be related to mild motor seizures. If she has no skin lesions or parasites, a mild dose of anti-seizure medication may help. These medications can have reversible side effects (such as liver damage) and should be monitored with monthly lab tests. Also, initially monitoring her blood levels of the medication will determine the correct dose.<br /> <br />Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP<br />The Cat Doctor<br />Board Certified in Feline Practice
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