SmokinDVM

[SmokinDVM]

SmokinDVM, I think you need a thread similar to BPP's "how can I help". I have a question. We have a cat who is beginning to loose some of her hair on her back. We just moved into a new house and have been entertaining a lot, so we thought it may have something to do with that. We've recently noticed that she isn't eating very much. She's about 14 years old. So now we're curious if something could be seriuosly wrong with her.

Hair loss, or alopecia, can be from several different causes. Stress is definitely one of the possibilities, especially if she's done this before. However, when stressed, they more commonly pull the hair out on their abdomen, not their back. If you use a good flea prevention, like Frontline or Advantage, then I would have the Vet check it. Even if it's just stress, they may be able to stop the problem with an injection of Depomedrol, or they may see evidence of some other cause.

[WOXOF]

Hair loss, or alopecia, can be from several different causes. Stress is definitely one of the possibilities, especially if she's done this before. However, when stressed, they more commonly pull the hair out on their abdomen, not their back. If you use a good flea prevention, like Frontline or Advantage, then I would have the Vet check it. Even if it's just stress, they may be able to stop the problem with an injection of Depomedrol, or they may see evidence of some other cause.

She's never had any problems with hair loss. It appears to be falling out. She's due for a checkup in May, so we'll hope for good news. Thanks for the response.

[SmokinDVM]

She's never had any problems with hair loss. It appears to be falling out. She's due for a checkup in May, so we'll hope for good news. Thanks for the response.

A couple of questions...
Does it seem to itch, does she lick/chew at the area alot?
Are the hairs in the area in question appear to be broken in different lengths, or is it all the same, or close to the same length?

[slcraiders]

DVM,

We have a Cockatiel. She appeared on my shoulders about 5 years ago out of nowhere while I was bbq’ing on my deck one summer evening. She is a beautiful and loyal bird. A couple of questions: How long does this species of bird live on average? –and- We are about to move next week. Is there anything we can do to reduce any stress brought on to the bird during this transition?

[SmokinDVM]

DVM,

We have a Cockatiel. She appeared on my shoulders about 5 years ago out of nowhere while I was bbq’ing on my deck one summer evening. She is a beautiful and loyal bird. A couple of questions: How long does this species of bird live on average? –and- We are about to move next week. Is there anything we can do to reduce any stress brought on to the bird during this transition?

Cockatiels average 10-14 years although they have been known to live into their 20's. IIRC, the oldest known was in it's early 30's.

I don't work with Avians much anymore, but I believe that most of these guys travel pretty well. I would suggest you use their cage, or a travel carrier can be purchased from a pet store. Remove any toys or swings, and secure the cage/carrier in with a seatbelt or other strap.

[cigarsarge]

I was recently blessed with a Cockatiel. He resides in my computer room. He is now a faithful reader of CS. Baby, the Cockatiel sits on my shoulder as I surf the net...Too cool.

[SmokinDVM]

When I was in Vet. School, I volunteered in the Avian nursery. We would hand raise several types of psittacines, and once weaned and well socialized, we would send them on to the people who purchased them.
We had several birds that were donated by people who had bought them, not realizing how long they really live, only to have to will them to the school when they died. We had a 50year old African Grey that we recieved that way, sweetest old bird.

The first Clinic I worked at, after Vet school, had a couple that would board their 2 Cockatoos with us. Those 2 birds would argue back and forth for hours, in their owners voices and rather colorful language. Most entertaining birds I've ever seen.

[WOXOF]

A couple of questions...
Does it seem to itch, does she lick/chew at the area alot?
Are the hairs in the area in question appear to be broken in different lengths, or is it all the same, or close to the same length?

She doesn't seem to be licking the area. It's in the middle of her back just in front of her hind legs. The area is getting larger and it is the whole hair. She seems to feel ok and isn't acting strange other than her decrease in appetite. It's starting to look like a reverse mohawk. We'll be taking her to the vet on Wednesday if we can.

[mauied1101]

Hey Doc,

I gotta say - thank you for answering all of our questions and concerns on pets. I realize you don't have to, so I really appreciate it - especially since I (and I'm sure lots of folks on the board) treat them more like family than pets. That and the dialog that you have and are developing on this (your) vet thread. Speaks a lot to your bedside/petside manner. Means a lot to me personally, and I thought I'd air it publicly.

[Roham]

Hey Doc,

I gotta say - thank you for answering all of our questions and concerns on pets. I realize you don't have to, so I really appreciate it - especially since I (and I'm sure lots of folks on the board) treat them more like family than pets. That and the dialog that you have and are developing on this (your) vet thread. Speaks a lot to your bedside/petside manner. Means a lot to me personally, and I thought I'd air it publicly.

I second that!!!! Thanks again Doc!!!

[SmokinDVM]

She doesn't seem to be licking the area. It's in the middle of her back just in front of her hind legs. The area is getting larger and it is the whole hair. She seems to feel ok and isn't acting strange other than her decrease in appetite. It's starting to look like a reverse mohawk. We'll be taking her to the vet on Wednesday if we can.

Hair loss, in the area you're describing, is most often caused by fleas. But, get her checked just in case.
Let me know what they find.

[SmokinDVM]

Thanks mauied and Roham,

If I didn't like what I do, I'd be looking for a new line of work.

[WOXOF]

She doesn't seem to be licking the area. It's in the middle of her back just in front of her hind legs. The area is getting larger and it is the whole hair. She seems to feel ok and isn't acting strange other than her decrease in appetite. It's starting to look like a reverse mohawk. We'll be taking her to the vet on Wednesday if we can.

Well we got the results from her blood test and everything is ok. The vet said it was most likely stress. Thanks for the help DVM. Any ideas on how to reduce stress or get her hair to start growing back. She has the whole upstairs to herself so she isn't contantly being bothered by the dogs or my 2 year old son.

[SmokinDVM]

Well we got the results from her blood test and everything is ok. The vet said it was most likely stress. Thanks for the help DVM. Any ideas on how to reduce stress or get her hair to start growing back. She has the whole upstairs to herself so she isn't contantly being bothered by the dogs or my 2 year old son.

Cats are the second most neurotic animals on the planet.

I would suggest trying a product called Feliway. It's made with cat pheromones, supposedly to simulate a queens pheromones, which act to soothe the cats. I have had decent results, 60% resolution, with this product in several behavioral situations. It tends to be a temporary fix though, but most of the treatments for these problems are. It comes in a spray or a diffuser. The diffuser is similar to the plug-in air fresheners as you plug it into the wall and it emits a constant measured amount of the product. You should be able to find it at most larger pet stores, or at a Vets office.
If that doesn't work, I would suggest a DepoMedrol injection. This works better than 90% of the time. Sometimes the problem returns in a few months, and sometimes a few years.

[bigpoppapuff]

barry.....have you ever seen this??.......

~ 10 Commandments for Dogs ~

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that BEFORE you get me.

2. Give me time to understand what it is you want from me.

3. Place your trust in me, it is crucial to my well-being.

4. Don't be angry at me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, entertainment and friends. I have only YOU.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.

7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I really don't want to do that.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long or my heart is getting old and weak!

9. Take care of me when I get old. You will get old too.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. NEVER say, "I can't bear to watch, or let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. And always remember, I LOVE YOU!

There is nothing so pure and strong as the love of a dog for his Master.

[WOXOF]

Cats are the second most neurotic animals on the planet.

I would suggest trying a product called Feliway. It's made with cat pheromones, supposedly to simulate a queens pheromones, which act to soothe the cats. I have had decent results, 60% resolution, with this product in several behavioral situations. It tends to be a temporary fix though, but most of the treatments for these problems are. It comes in a spray or a diffuser. The diffuser is similar to the plug-in air fresheners as you plug it into the wall and it emits a constant measured amount of the product. You should be able to find it at most larger pet stores, or at a Vets office.
If that doesn't work, I would suggest a DepoMedrol injection. This works better than 90% of the time. Sometimes the problem returns in a few months, and sometimes a few years.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check into it. Will that Feliway work on my wife too?