Acne (black Dots) In A Cat And A Cat On The Chin: The Reasons For The Appearance Of Grains Like Dirt Under The Fur, Home Treatment

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

Acne in a cat: what the symptom says

Acne in cats is common and has a different course: from a cosmetic defect to pyoderma. The development of acne is influenced by a number of factors, the symptom is just the tip of the iceberg of hidden problems associated with a violation of the cat's health or care.

Content

• 1 What is acne

  • 1.1 The main reasons for development

    1.1.1 Factors leading to the development of the disease

  • 1.2 Is feline acne a danger to humans

• 2 How does acne appear in cats

  • 2.1 Stages of the disease

    2.1.1 Photo gallery: stages of acne in cats

  • 2.2 Potential complications and consequences

  • 2.3 Features of the course of acne in Sphynxes and Persian cats

    1 Photo Gallery: Sphynx Acne

• 3 Diagnosis of acne

• 4 How to treat the disease at home

  • 4.1 First aid to a pet
  • 4.2 What not to do

  • 4.3 Treatment depending on the stage of the disease

    • 4.3.1 Table: Overview of Essential Medicines for Acne Treatment
    • 4.3.2 Photo Gallery: Medicines Used in Acne Therapy
  • 4.4 Traditional medicines in the treatment of acne
  • 4.5 Rules for conducting medical procedures
  • 4.6 Taking care of your cat
• 5 Features of the course and treatment of acne in pregnant cats and kittens
• 6 How to prevent the development of the disease
• 7 Veterinarian recommendations

What is acne

Acne in cats, however, as in humans, is a consequence of blockage and then inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The wearer's attention is usually attracted by rashes located in the chin region and (less often) in the lower lip.

Cats have many sebaceous glands, and they are divided into two types:

• The sebaceous glands of the first type secrete their secretion into the cavity of the hair follicle. This type of gland is evenly distributed throughout the cat's body. Their secret has a protective function:

  • provides elasticity of the skin;
  • protects wool from adverse environmental influences;
  • helps to limit the number of certain parasites, such as fleas or skin mites;
  • prevents the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.

• The function of the second type of sebaceous glands is completely different - they serve the cat in order to mark the territory, since their secret contains aromatic substances that create an individual smell for each individual. These glands are larger and are located in certain places:

  • in the chin area;
  • at the base of the tail;
  • on the eyelids;
  • in cats, it is also on the skin of the scrotum and foreskin.

It is the sebaceous glands of the second type that are most often involved in the appearance of acne, intended for marks of the territory. The chin in this sense is the most vulnerable for several reasons:

• the cat actively uses it, leaving marks;
• it is usually not covered with thick fluffy hair, like the rest of the cat's body, which would protect it from irritation;
• it is difficult for a cat to care for its own chin with the help of licking, while this is the area most often in contact with water and food.

The main reasons for development

There are many reasons for the development of acne. The disease occurs in cats of all breeds. It is noted that unsterilized animals suffer a little more often, and cats are more often affected than cats. In a special risk group are hairless, Persian and Himalayan cats.

Sphynx cats are prone to acne

Factors leading to the development of the disease

The causes of acne are usually divided into external, associated with the influence of environmental factors, and internal, provoked by changes in the body of the cat itself.

External factors often include:

• inaccuracies in diet, since overeating leads to increased production of sebum;

• hygienic reasons:

  • using dirty dishes to feed the cat;
  • the use of plastic dishes from which it is impossible to completely remove the microflora;
  • insufficient cleanliness of the cat's resting place;
• stress, which also leads to an increase in the secretion of the sebaceous glands;

• infection of a cat with ectoparasites:

  • fleas;
  • skin mites;
• in hairless cats, occasional bathing can be a provoking factor.

If the disease is caused precisely by the influence of external factors, then with their elimination the problem is resolved.

Internal factors:

• allergic lesions of the cat's skin, including eosinophilic granulomas;
• contact dermatitis;
• viral infections (viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, feline leukemia virus and others);
• infectious dermatitis of cats caused by microorganisms and fungi;
• violation of the emptying of the anal glands, since their inflammation causes an increase in the secretion of the sebaceous glands;
• hereditary predisposition;
• breed tendency;
• dysfunction of internal organs, for example, the liver or gonads;
• any immunodeficiency conditions that facilitate the seeding of glandular contents by microflora.

In other words, acne often signals a cat's health problem.

Is cat acne a danger to humans?

Feline acne does not in itself pose a threat to human health. On the other hand, a flea invasion that caused acne or trichophytosis that has joined against the background of a decrease in local immunity in the acne zone may be dangerous.

Persian cats are also prone to acne.

How does acne appear in cats?

The disease in its development goes through several stages, but this does not always happen. Spontaneous stabilization of the process at one of the stages is possible, and cases of self-healing are also known.

Stages of the disease

Acne is usually characterized by several stages:

• The first stage of the disease is expressed by increased secretion of the sebaceous glands. The attention of the owner of a cat with light hair can be attracted by the persistent presence of fatty yellow spots on the chin of the pet, but in most cases the course is imperceptible.
• In the second stage, comedones are formed. This happens because increased keratinization is added to the increased secretion of the sebaceous glands - the production of the protein keratin, the main structural component of the skin and wool. Protein masses interfere with the normal emptying of the sebaceous gland, and as a result, the hair follicle, into which the sebaceous gland duct flows, is blocked by a mixture of glandular contents and protein. A comedone looks like a black dot protruding somewhat above the surface of the skin and is often mistaken for contamination. Comedones are usually located on the chin, somewhat less often on the skin of the lower lip. Usually, similar changes can be found at the base of the cat's tail if the fur is pushed apart.
• For the third stage, inflammatory changes in the affected hair follicles, which are caused by the bacterial flora, are typical. Folliculitis develops: first a red papule (tubercle) at the base of the hair, then a pustule (abscess) - the hair follicle dies at the same time, and the hair will never grow again. After opening and drying the pustules, crusts form. Feeling pain and itching, the cat scratches the affected area, exacerbating its infection. When the cat recovers, traces of superficial scarring remain in the affected area and areas of thinning of the wool cover.

Photo gallery: stages of acne in cats

An increase in the activity of the sebaceous glands with the formation of fatty yellow spots on the chin precedes the formation of comedones

At the second stage of acne comedones are formed on the chin, zones of hyperpigmentation and redness are visible

In the third stage of acne, inflammatory changes occur in the follicles.

In advanced cases, all elements of acne can be present on the skin: comedones, papules, pustules

Comedones look like a dirty stain on the chin

Possible complications and consequences

If the cat has not received treatment, then the severe course of the disease is characterized by the sequential fusion of small foci of purulent inflammation into larger ones and the development of pyoderma (purulent skin infection), which is accompanied by:

• edema;
• redness;
• purulent discharge;
• pain;
• an increase in body temperature;
• an increase in regional lymph nodes.

With the spread of inflammation from the follicle to the subcutaneous tissue, a boil is formed. At this stage, surgical assistance is often required, consisting of opening, debridement and drainage of foci of purulent inflammation. The general condition of the cat suffers greatly.

In ordinary cases, the consequences can be foci of alopecia (baldness) on the chin.

Features of the course of acne in Sphynxes and Persian cats

In sphinxes, the predisposition to acne is inherited. Basically, cats completely deprived of hair are affected in blue, cream-blue and red colors. Less often, those individuals who have preserved a delicate residual fur are sick. Characterized by wide lesion zones, capturing the submandibular space, muzzle, neck, back region along the spine with an extension to the tail, as well as the abdomen. When acne is widespread, it can lead to skin hyperpigmentation.

The most common forms of acne for sphinxes are comedones and acne nodosum. In the latter form, deep inflammatory infiltrates are formed in the tissues, containing cavities filled with pus - cysts - which can unite and open onto the surface of the skin through the formation of fistulous passages. The course of the disease is long, the favorite localization for this type of lesion is along the spine with a continuation to the tail. Often in these places a typical "shell" is formed, consisting of superimpositions of dead and keratinized epithelium and purulent exudate. After healing, persistent cicatricial changes remain.

In Persian and Himalayan cats, in addition to the typical course of acne, there is a rare disease - idiopathic facial dermatitis. It occurs between the ages of six months and one and a half years. The cause of the disease is unknown. It manifests itself in the abundant secretion of a black waxy coating by the sebaceous glands, while the hair partially falls out. The areas of the chin and around the eyes are especially affected; deposits accumulate in the folds of the skin on the face, as well as in the external ear canal, causing bilateral otitis media.

Accumulations of dark discharge of sebaceous glands on the cat's face, partial loss of hair in the affected area - symptoms of facial idiopathic dermatitis

This disease is practically not cured. Fortunately, if hygienic care measures are taken and secondary infection is contained, it is only a cosmetic problem and does not affect the cat's quality of life.

Photo gallery: sphinx acne

Comedones and papules on the lower lip of the Sphynx cat are common

Multiple comedones precede the nodular-cystic form of the disease

With nodular-cystic acne, inflammatory infiltrates rise above the skin surface, hyperkeratosis (keratinization) of the tail skin is expressed, traces of purulent discharge are visible

In severe forms of acne, a typical "shell" is formed from dried purulent exudate and dead, as well as keratinized skin cells

Acne diagnostics

An experienced owner will suspect acne when they see typical manifestations on the chin or lower lip of the cat:

• comedones;
• reddened skin irregularities (papules);
• small pustules (pustules);
• crusts of dried discharge;
• swelling of soft tissues.

The need for a visit to the veterinarian with the apparent obviousness of the diagnosis remains for the following reasons:

• the doctor will carry out differential diagnostics - a number of diseases have similar manifestations, and the diagnosis needs to be clarified;
• the veterinarian, analyzing the exogenous factors of acne formation, will help to optimize the care of the cat, and in this case the acne problem will be solved forever;
• the veterinarian will further examine the cat in search of an endogenous cause of acne;
• in some cases, with a hereditary or breed predisposition, accompanied by a persistent course of the disease, an individual lifelong treatment regimen will be required - and this is also the task of the veterinarian.

The differential diagnosis is carried out with the following diseases:

• demodicosis - a lesion with skin mites;
• allergic dermatitis, including eosinophilic granuloma;
• contact dermatitis, such as caused by contact with a particular plant;
• skin lesions with the yeast Malassezia;
• pyoderma, which developed after traumatic skin damage;
• dermatophytosis - a fungal infection of the skin, for example, ringworm;
• tumors of the sebaceous glands, hair follicles, epidermis;
• if necessary, and with other diseases, including rare ones, for example, leprosy (leprosy) of cats.

In order to collect information about the cat's health, the veterinarian may order an examination:

• general and biochemical blood tests;
• general urine analysis;
• Ultrasound of internal organs.

In cases where the diagnosis is difficult to establish, relying only on clinical manifestations, a study of the affected skin area is carried out. Under a microscope, this disease is characterized by:

• stretching of follicles with glandular secretion and keratin;
• increased content of keratin;
• blockage of the mouth of the glands;
• signs of inflammation of the follicles and surrounding tissues.

How to treat a disease at home

In the early stages, acne lends itself well to home therapy.

First aid for a pet

Before consulting a veterinarian, the pet owner needs to monitor the cleanliness of the affected areas, treat them 2-3 times a day with a swab dipped in an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine.

What not to do

What to avoid when you see the first signs of acne:

• squeezing comedones and pustules on the skin of a cat, this provokes the rapid spread of infection and the development of complications;
• using hard brushes for grooming wool, as this is an additional factor of trauma;
• applying medicinal substances (ointments, liniment) to areas of healthy skin to avoid irritation;
• neglect of the subsequent application of an ointment preparation with frequent use of antiseptics and shampoos, since the dry skin caused by them increases the secretion of the sebaceous glands;
• too abundant application of ointment preparations, as this leads to impaired ventilation of the affected areas and causes blockage of skin pores.

Himalayan cats are at risk for acne

Treatment depending on the stage of the disease

Acne therapy depends on the stage of the disease:

• The first stage of the disease, which is characterized by seborrhea (increased discharge of the sebaceous glands), is treated with the use of anti-seborrheic shampoos containing salicylic alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, and ethyl lactate (Doctor, Lactaderm shampoos). At the beginning of treatment, shampoos are used daily, then the frequency of application is reduced to one in 7-10 days.
• At the second stage, local treatment with antiseptics is added to the use of shampoos: an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine or Miramistin 2-3 times a day; cleaning solutions of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide 1-2 times a day. In most cases, this will get rid of comedones in a week.
• At the third stage, depending on the extent of the spread of the joined infectious process, the veterinarian can prescribe local treatment, as well as supplement it with systemic treatment (tablets, injections). For topical use, an ointment or gel of mupirocin, an ointment with clindamycin or erythromycin, a gel with benzamycin, is possible local application of retinoids - Retin-A gel.

For systemic use, antibacterial drugs of a wide spectrum of action are chosen:

• Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid;
• Enrofloxacin;
• cephalosporin antibiotics.

With severe acne, the local immunity of the skin suffers, fungal infections, malassezia or ringworm often join, therefore Fluconazole is often included in the treatment regimen.

If acne comes back after treatment (recurs), then an individual therapy plan is developed by a veterinarian and requires therapeutic manipulations about twice a week.

Table: Overview of Essential Medicines for Acne Treatment

A drug	Structure	Act	Application	The cost
Component of anti-seborrheic zoo shampoo	Benzoyl peroxide	mild exfoliating effect; reduces the content of lipids and fatty acids; active against Propionobacterium Acnes; reduces the appearance of comedones and acne.	The components are a part of medicinal shampoos, the use of shampoo begins with a daily one with a gradual decrease in frequency to 1 time in 10 days. The shampoo is applied topically in the acne area.	Zoo shampoo "Doctor" 250-300 rubles; pet shampoo "Laktaderm" 300-700 rubles
Component of anti-seborrheic zoo shampoo	Salicylic alcohol	keratolytic (softens, dissolves and rejects the stratum corneum of the epidermis) and antimicrobial effects; promotes deep penetration of medicinal substances of the ointment into the skin; local irritating effect.
Component of anti-seborrheic zoo shampoo	Ethyl lactate	reduces lipid content; dissolves sebaceous plugs in the ducts of hair follicles.
Chlorhexidine	Chlorhexidine bigluconate 0.05% aqueous solution	external antiseptic of a wide spectrum of action; disinfectant.	2-3 times a day is used to wipe the acne area	12-208 rubles
Miramistin	Miramistin 0.01% aqueous solution	external antiseptic of a wide spectrum of action; has a local immunostimulating effect (activates phagecytosis).		80-100 rubles
Salicylic alcohol	1–2% salicylic acid in 70% ethyl alcohol	keratolytic and antimicrobial effects; promotes deeper penetration of medicinal substances of the ointment into the skin; local irritating effect.	1-2 times a day; used to wipe acne areas; do not apply to unaffected skin; may cause irritation - then do not apply.	6-10 rubles
Bactroban, Bonderm	Mupirocin, ointment	Broad spectrum antibacterial, bactericidal effects	Apply once a day to the acne area	Bactroban - 367–600 rubles; Bonderm - 290-400 rubles.
Dalatsin, Klindovit	Clindamycin, ointment, or gel	Broad spectrum antibacterial agent	Apply 1-2 times a day to the acne area	Dalatsin - 525-1074 rubles; Clindovite - 301–415 rubles.
Erythromycin	Erythromycin, ointment	Broad spectrum antibacterial agent	Apply 1-2 times a day to the acne area	80-100 rubles
Benzamycin	Gel containing erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide	broad-spectrum antibacterial agent; mild exfoliating effect; reduces the content of lipids and fatty acids; active against Propionobacterium Acnes; reduces the appearance of comedones and acne.	Apply to the acne area 2 times a day	1,850-2,000 rubles
Retin-A	0.025 or 0.05% transretinoic acid gel	reduces the amount of secreted sebaceous glands; normalizes the process of keratinization; prevents the formation of comedones; promotes healing of injuries.	Apply once a day to the acne area	1000-1400 rubles
Levomekol	Chloramphenicol, dioxymethyltetrahydropyrimidine, ointment	broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent; helps to cleanse purulent wounds; has an anti-inflammatory effect; promotes tissue regeneration.	2 times a day	94-157 rubles
Amoxiclav	Amoxicillin, clavulanic acid; tablets and suspension	Broad-spectrum antibacterial drug	12.5 mg / kg, orally 2 times a day, treatment course 2-3 weeks	300-400 rubles
Enrofloxacin 50	Enrofloxacin, solution for injection	Broad-spectrum antibacterial drug	5 mg / kg subcutaneously once a day, course 2-3 weeks	21.56 rubles costs 10 ml of the drug; 300 rubles for 100 ml
Fluconazole	Fluconazole capsules	Antifungal drug	10 mg / kg for 30 days	7.69-179 rubles

Photo gallery: medications used in acne therapy

Levomekol helps with purulent, inflamed rashes

Fluconazole is prescribed if the cause of acne is fungal infection.

Amoxiclav is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, enhanced with clavulanic acid, which protects against the development of microorganism resistance to amoxicillin

Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic specially designed for veterinary use

Retin-A prevents comedones

Miramistin - topical antiseptic

Traditional medicines in the treatment of acne

In mild cases, it is possible to use natural antiseptics that are part of plants. If your cat is allergic, you shouldn't. When signs of folliculitis (inflammation of comedones) appear, you should switch to finished dosage forms of drugs.

To wipe areas with comedones use:

• Fresh pumpkin juice - a freshly cut piece of pumpkin must be grated and then applied as a compress to the affected area for 5 minutes.

  

  Pumpkin masks normalize sebum production, remove toxins, and restore the skin surface

• Lotions from infusion of celandine - 4 tablespoons of dry herbs are brewed with one liter of water, filtered and used 2-3 times a day.

  

  Celandine in folk medicine is used for skin diseases

• Infusion of yarrow flowers - one teaspoon of dried flowers is brewed in a glass of water and the resulting infusion is used to wipe the comedone zone 2-3 times a day.

  

  Yarrow contains tannins and is anti-inflammatory

Rules for conducting medical procedures

Pet treatment procedures are carried out in a certain sequence:

1. The hair in the affected area must be cut.
2. The skin of the affected area is washed with an anti-seborrheic shampoo, then dried.
3. In the affected area, it is possible to use dry heat - apply moderately heated salt or rice in a bag for 5 minutes to the cat's chin.
4. The skin of the affected area is treated with an antiseptic solution.
5. Then salicylic alcohol is applied, followed by an ointment preparation.
6. Follow the cat for 30 minutes without letting the ointment lick off, then blot the remaining ointment on the chin and release the animal.

If the cat is scratching the affected area, an Elizabethan collar is used.

Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent the ointment from licking or licking the affected areas.

In cases where the applied product causes irritation to the skin of the cat, stop using it. If the inflammatory process continues and is accompanied by an expansion of the affected area, the drug should be replaced with another. If the inflammation continues and is accompanied by hair loss, it is necessary to make sure that there is no associated trichophytosis. In all cases where a change of drug is required, the cat must be examined by a veterinarian.

Cat care

Compliance with some recommendations will help to quickly cope with the problem:

• Monitor the hygiene of the cat, especially the hairless breed, remove fleas.
• A cat's diet should not include foods from the common table, since excess fat content in food activates the work of the sebaceous glands; do not overfeed the cat.
• Replace your pet's utensils, if they are plastic, with ceramic, glass, or high-quality stainless steel.
• Change the water in the drinking bowl twice a day, wipe the cat's chin area after eating.
• Follow the recommendations of the veterinarian, if the role of endogenous factors in the development of acne has been identified, it is imperative to treat the disease, the symptom of which is the rash.
• Make sure there is no inflammation of the anal glands in the pet.

Features of the course and treatment of acne in pregnant cats and kittens

Systemic antibacterial drugs, as well as topical application of transretinoic acid, are contraindicated in pregnant cats. Local use of ointments with antibiotics is also undesirable, since the penetration of the substance into the systemic circulation and a negative effect on the fetus is possible. It should be limited to hygiene procedures and local antiseptic therapy. Fortunately, both systemic antibiotics and retinoids are rarely used to treat acne.

To prevent the weakening of immunity in a kitten associated with the development of intestinal dysbiosis when prescribing a systemic antibiotic, care and local treatment also come first.

How to prevent the development of the disease

Prevention of acne in a pet is:

• attentive attitude to the health of the cat;

• Compliance with hygiene measures, especially in acne-prone breeds:

  • bathe in a timely manner;
  • wipe your face after eating;
  • feed / drink only from clean dishes;
  • do not use plastic bowls;
• proper nutrition and maintenance of the cat;
• timely treatment of internal diseases - after all, acne, in most cases, is a manifestation of ill-being on the part of the cat's health.

Veterinarian recommendations

Feline acne is a common disease that is not dangerous in an uncomplicated case. Often it is a manifestation of internal pathology or errors in care, which cause much more damage to the health of the cat than the presence of acne itself. In some cases, acne is complicated by inflammation, possibly a severe course with the development of pyoderma, requiring the use of systemic antibiotic therapy. Part of the prevention of acne is taking good care of your cat and taking good care of your cat's health. In all cases of the appearance of rashes, the cat should be examined by a veterinarian, since it is necessary both to identify and eliminate the factors contributing to the appearance of acne, and to exclude diagnoses with similar skin manifestations.