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posted 12-15-2003 07:57 AM         

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My 7 year old male cat is balding on his stomach and under his arms. He has a few balding spots on his back outter leg. (by his hip) He grooms a lot. Could this be what it is?

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From:sheridan, wy
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posted 12-15-2003 08:05 AM         

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It sounds like allergies, it could be from fleas or a variety of other things. Try treating him with advantage or frontline, if that doesn't help you will have to have some trial and error to figure out what he is allergic to.

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posted 12-15-2003 11:15 AM         

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He is an inside cat that never comes in contact with fleas or ticks. I haven't changed his food or litter. Is there anything else it could be?

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From:sheridan, wy
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posted 12-15-2003 02:00 PM         

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Fleas can actually come inside on your clothing, so even indoor cats can get them. I would still try treating him with frontline or advantage, it might not be the problem but it is the first thing to rule out.

Animals and people can develop allergies to things that never bothered them before. He could have developed an allergy to his food. They can also have seasonal allergies, my dog has them.

This article is a pretty good summary of different skin conditions that can cause hair loss: http://www.nzymes.com/Articles/cat_skin_hair_problems.htm

If it was my cat I would:

1) Treat him with advantage or frontline. If that doesn't work after 3 weeks, meaning he is still losing fur and it isn't growing back I would
2) Get a short course of steroids from the vet. The vet should give you 7-10 days worth. If the steroids help it is an allergy and you can start figuring out what he is allergic to. If the steroids didn't work I would
3) Consult the vet about other medical conditions that can cause hair loss.

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posted 12-16-2003 06:56 AM         

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Thank you very much. I will try these things and I will kepp you updated. Thanks again.

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posted 12-16-2003 07:02 AM         

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I just went to that website and it sounds to me like "Feline Endocrine Alopecia" His nipples are loose as if they feel like they are going to fall off. Do male cats have nipples by their armpits? Thanks

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From:sheridan, wy
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posted 12-16-2003 11:35 PM         

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Male cats should have nipples in the same place females do. I grabbed my nearest boy cat and looked at his tummy. His highest nipples were a few inches below his armpit. Maybe you are feeling your cats lymph nodes? I'm assuming they have some in the armpits like people do.

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posted 12-17-2003 08:25 AM         

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They look/feel like nipples.... they almost feel like they are falling off. Could it be something else? Thanks you so much for all your help!!!!

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From:sheridan, wy
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posted 12-17-2003 09:28 AM         

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Maybe they are bumps or sores? I don't know its hard to guess without seeing them.

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