[2] It is notable when considering this theory, that some cats have been known to obsessively lick the base of their tail, rather than scratching or biting, which may suggest they're not feeling pain or pruritus, but rather an overwhelming compulsive motivation. It has been noted, however, that the rolling of the skin, among other clinical signs, can occur spontaneously, whether this is a direct result of the syndrome or a result of muscle memory being activated by sensations caused by the syndrome has yet to be determined.[1]. Regularly scheduled feeding times and play periods, for example, may help keep an insecure cat relaxed and well exercised. [1][2][3][4][5] It is much less likely that a cat that is under a year old and has not reached maturity is suffering from the syndrome rather than an alternate ailment that may be causing similar clinical signs. During these episodes, affected cats can be extremely difficult to distract from their behaviour, and often appear to be absent-minded or in a trance-like state. Cats that suffer from hyperesthesia are known to be sensitive to preservatives and additives. This page was last edited on 1 February 2021, at 03:01. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome Causes And Risk Factors [1][2][4], The condition is most commonly identified by frantic scratching, biting or grooming of the lumbar area, generally at the base of the tail, and a rippling or rolling of the dorsal (anatomy) lumbar skin. Because of this, it’s very possible that this condition stems from improper electrical activity in the brain. The lack of pathophysiological knowledge requires the syndrome to be diagnosed by eliminating other possible causes of clinical signs. Hyperesthesia causes the cat to feel intensely sensitive to being touched. There are serious negatives to toilet training your cat. Wherever possible, cases of feline hyperesthesia syndrome should be referred to a specialist in feline behaviour for a secondary opinion. [1][3][4][8] There are three main theories on the cause of the syndrome, as outlined below: The first theory suggests feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a behavioural disorder, which is caused by either behavioural displacement or stress factors. [2][3][4][5], Currently, it is unknown whether there is any genetic link to the disease. Hyperesthesia or rolling skin disease is a type of disease that causes a cat to have agitation, self mutilation, and rippling of the skin. [2][4][5][6] Behavioural displacement would occur when a cat experiences an overwhelming impulse to complete two or more unrelated behaviours simultaneously, this may lead to the cat completing a third and often unrelated activity, such as grooming. The syndrome usually appears in cats after they've reached maturity, with most cases first arising in cats bet… All information is peer reviewed. Early bir…, If you take a moment to really look at why cats sleep the way they do, you’ll end up with an entirely different per…, Aggression can have many causes but if you’re dealing with an angry cat, here are some tips. With hyperesthesia you’ll usually notice the cat engages in an excessive amount of self-grooming. Halloween is a Scary Night for Pets. What Is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome? Information on a cat's tendency towards obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety, fear, and over-attachment to its owner is highly advantageous for diagnosis and treatment. The causes of feline hyperesthesia syndrome are highly disputed, largely due to the unknown pathophysiology of the syndrome and the variation in responses to different treatment methods. These symptoms include Dietary deficiency: It’s possible that feline hyperesthesia is brought on in cats with dry and itchy skin. Diagnosing Hyperesthesia. Some cats actually go into seizures when petted in certain ways. [2][6], Many of the behaviours associated with feline hyperesthesia syndrome resemble or are identical to behaviours observed in other feline health disorders, for instance there is significant overlap between psychogenic alopecia and feline hyperesthesia syndrome. First reported in 1980 by J. Tuttle in a scientific article, feline hyperesthesia syndrome, also known as rolling skin disease, is a complex and poorly understood syndrome that can affect domestic cats of any age, breed, and sex. Overall, however, a consensus on the validity of this theory has not yet been reached. It’s a condition that typically affects younger cats. Diseases that cause itching can trigger hyperesthesia. Treatment: The aim of treatment is to address the underlying cause, and may include: Reduce stress in the household, such as addressing in-fighting between household cats. She starred in the Animal Planet UK series Psycho Kitty, and is one of the most popular and sought-after cat behavior experts in the world. [2][4][6][7] The syndrome usually appears in cats after they've reached maturity, with most cases first arising in cats between one and five years old. It is a rare disorder in cats where the cat has episodes of frantic biting or licking of the back half of their body. Some cats have a very strange disorder called hyperesthesia, also known as rippling skin syndrome or twitchy cat syndrome; In hyperesthesia, the skin on the back ripples from the shoulders all the way to the tail, and triggers a range of odd sensations and behaviors in the cat [1][3][4][11], It has also been observed that injury could be a predisposing factor of feline hyperesthesia syndrome. These cats have skin that twitches at the slightest […] Symptoms of FHS typically appear in episodes, which can last from seconds to several minutes. Not a lot of information is available for what causes hyperesthesia in cats, but this condition has many associated symptoms with other ailments that might lend clues to its source. With hyperesthesia you’ll usually notice the cat engages in an excessive amount of self-grooming. Cats suffering from hyperesthesia patterns are tremendously sensitive to touch in the lumbar region. [1][2][3][4][8][10] This theory is supported by reports of cats showing signs of epileptic seizures after an attack, with dilated pupils and dazed and absent behaviour. Feline hyperesthesia or twitching in cats syndrome (FHS), further known as “psychomotor epilepsy,” and “twitch-skin syndrome” is a complex cat disorder ending in intense biting or licking of the back, tail, ears and pelvic limbs. [4] Clinical signs include aggression towards people; aggression towards animals; self-aggression; dilated pupils; salivation; vocalisation; uncontrolled urination; excessive grooming, particularly of the lumbar region; tail chasing; tail mutilation, caused by scratching and biting of the lumbar region and tail; frantic running and jumping; and a rippling or rolling of the skin in the dorsal lumbar area. [1][2][4] Likewise, if a cat belongs to either the Abyssinian, Burmese, Himalayan or Siamese breeds, then feline hyperesthesia syndrome should be considered a lot more carefully as a cause of any possible clinical signs. [3], The final theory, of the three main theories, is that the syndrome is not a distinct entity, but a conglomerate of unique behaviours caused by a variety of environmental and behavioural factors. These are: Correct any underlying health issues: This means regular anti-parasite treatment and controlling arthritic pain. [2][5], Clinical signs will generally present themselves in brief episodes of one to two minutes. [4][5] These episodes can occur multiple times per day or per week, and may be triggered by endogenous or exogenous stimuli. This includes skin disorders that cause pruritus such as allergies, fungal infections, parasites and dermatitis; spinal problems such as arthritis, pinched nerves and slipped discs; and forebrain issues that may lead to phantom pains. Feline Hyperesthesia syndrome is an uncommon medical condition that distresses the brain which then results in a couple of weird symptoms in felines. [1] After such episode, the cat will generally return to its normal behaviour. [1][3][4][5] It has, however, been hypothesised that due to itch and pain receptors sharing peripheral and central nervous system pathways, that underlying pain may result in the excessive grooming described. Feline hyperesthesia can occur in cats of all ages, but tends to arise in mature cats. The cat may appear perfectly fine and then react aggressively as if a switch has been flipped. [1][4], Behavioural history can be a useful diagnostic tool for this syndrome. Anti-seizure medications may help if the problem appears to be a seizure disorder. If this displacement behaviour continues for a prolonged period, it may result in the cat developing a compulsive behaviour disorder that would no longer be reliant on the original competing behavioural motivations. First recorded in 1980, Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a compelling and inadequately understood syndrome that may affect household cats of any age, ethnicity, and sex. Around 9–12 months, or when the cat reaches maturity. Phenobarbital is the most effective of these drugs but does not work on every cat. This is also referred to as rolling skin disease. It is not curable but can be managed with medication and behavioral changes. Cats that suffer from this syndrome are very sensitive to being touched, especially over their lower back area. #catwise…. Gabapentin may be used for both its analgesic and antiepileptic properties. For most cats, this is pretty common behavior its simply a way to burn off excess energy or initiate play. Abyssinians, Burmese, Himalayans and Siamese are predisposed, although any breed can be afflicted. [1][2][3][4], Behaviour modifying drugs are used when a behavioural disorder is the suspected cause. First reported in 1980 by J. Tuttle in a scientific article, feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a complex and poorly understood syndrome that can affect domestic cats of any age, breed, and sex. If behavioural modification does not lessen signs of the syndrome, then pharmacological solutions may become necessary. Typically, the area the cat focuses on will be the spine and tail. If you have a cat with this syndrome you probably know exactly what is meant by this. Other physical signs include tail lashing and skin twitching or rippling. feline hyperesthesia syndrome. [1][2][4][10][12], Carnitine and coenzymes are used when it is suspected that myopathy is the cause of the attacks. Frantic scratching, biting or grooming of tail and lower back; aggression towards other animals, humans and itself; and a rippling or rolling of the dorsal lumbar skin. The syndrome will remain present for the cat's entire life, but episodes only last for one to two minutes. [4] Listed below are several types of drugs that may be used to treat the condition or its symptoms, common drugs used in the treatment of this condition have been included as examples of each type of drug: Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisolone, will be used if it is suspected the cause is related to dermatitis or other skin conditions. The word hyperesthesia basically means an increase in sensitivity. Often, the cat will exhibit sudden bursts of activity and this can escalate into aggressive behavior. 133 There is currently only limited evidence for this condition and it may be a reflection of undiagnosed dermatologic or neurologic disease or behavior problems and is therefore … Hyperthyroidism Medication for Cats (Methimazole) ... Cats and High Places: Keeping them off Counters and Tables. And any type of physical activity that may irritate or overstimulate the catsuch as scratching its backmust certainly be avoided. It must, however, be xylitol free, as xylitol is toxic substance for several animals. Signs of Hyperesthesia Syndrome. Frenetic self-directed groomingdirected along the flank or tail (possibly leading to hair loss) [4] Most cases require owners to either stop or limit touching the cat's lower-back, maintain scheduled feeding times, and organise specific play times.[1]. Hyperesthesia is defined as abnormally increased skin sensitivity. [4], Generally, the first step to treating the syndrome is to eliminate or reduce environmental factors that may cause outbreaks, stress, or anxiety. Feline Hyperesthesia (FHS) is a weird “twitchy” disorder that makes your cat very uncomfortable. While any cat can be affected by it, Asian breeds such as the Siamese , Burmese , Abyssinian , and Persian tend to be diagnosed more frequently. Although any age, breed, or sex of cat can develop feline hyperesthesia syndrome, it has been noted that Abyssinian, Burmese, Himalayan and Siamese breeds appear to have an increased risk of developing the disease, therefore there is the possibility of a genetic link. Getting your Cat into a Carrier. "Feline hyperaesthesia syndrome", "apparent neuritis", "atypical neurodermatitis", "psychomotor epilepsy", "pruritic dermatitis of Siamese", "rolling skin syndrome", and "twitchy cat disease". This medical condition affects cats of every age, however, it is typically common in older adult cats and the reason or causes for it … These cats act as though they have pain from simply being petted, especially along their lower back. The cat even display seizure-like behavior. Treating Hyperesthesia in Cats. Pam Johnson-Bennett is the best-selling author of 8 books on cat behavior. It’s not a common disorder but if your cat is experiencing the disorder, it’s a very frightening experience for everyone in the home. Overall, the prognosis for the syndrome is good, so long as the syndrome does not result in excessive self-aggression and self-mutilation that may lead to infection. [3] This relates back to the dispute on the cause of the syndrome, as depending on the veterinarian's personal scientific beliefs and the clinical signs present, the veterinarian may recommend different treatment methods. Cats with this syndrome seem to display abnormal sensitivity along the back and spine when touched. The parts of the body most vulnerable are the spine and along the tail. The parts of the body most vulnerable are the spine and along the tail. Treatment options often involve a significant trial-and-error phase to figure out what will work for the individual affected cat. [1][3], Diagnosing cats with feline hyperesthesia syndrome is extremely complicated. A cat will behave normally between episodes, and then display the signs associated with FHS. Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) is a rare, albeit troubling and “bizarre” disorder that’s also known as twitch-skin syndrome, rippling skin disease, or rolling skin syndrome. Episodes most commonly occur in the morning or evening, the dawn and dusk times when a cat in the wild would be actively out hunting. Hyperesthesia causes the cat to feel intensely sensitive to being touched. Good, provided the cat doesn't self-mutilate excessively. [6] It has been noted that affected cats tend to be dominating rather than submissive, some research argues that feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a form of conflict displacement, rather than just a form of general behavioural displacement, wherein the affected cat acts out thwarted territorial disputes on its own body. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, or FHS, can cause such severe and dramatic changes in a cats behavior that some owners swear their poor cat is possessed. While all cats may occasionally display sudden bouts of hyperactivity or odd behavior, the behaviors displayed by cats with hyperesthesia are extreme, and they're accompanied by certain physical symptoms. Typically, the area the cat focuses on will be the spine and tail. I am so excited to be one of the speakers for this fun and informative Online Behavior Day virtual event. Any cat breed or mixed breed can be affected. By definition, hyperesthesia means “abnormally increased sensitivity of the skin.” Since the cause of feline hyperesthesia is still unknown, ruling out other health issues first is necessary. Recommended treatment for a cat that is diagnosed with hyperesthesia syndrome is likely to include a behavioral component aimed toward reducing any anxiety that the animal might be experiencing. FHS is frustrating for cats and cat parents alike. This suggests that the rolling of the skin is not a direct sign of the syndrome, but a sign of excessive scratching or grooming. [1] If a cat should mutilate their own tail or otherwise be mutilated, they should be taken to a professional for immediate medical attention, as an infection could cause more harm to them than the wound itself. [9] The overall theory that feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a behavioural disorder is disputed on the basis of the variability of responses within affected cats to behaviour modification and psychoactive drugs, as a purely behavioural syndrome would be expected to enter remission after the application of the aforementioned therapeutic treatments.
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