Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Encyclopedia
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, also known as rolling skin disease, is a rare illness in domestic cat
s that causes episodes of agitation, self-mutilation, and a characteristic rippling of the skin when touched. It is often described as a seizure disorder but the cause is unknown.
, while others believe it is a behavioural disorder triggered by trauma. Noting that affected cats tend to be dominating rather than submissive, Hollander and Stein argue FHS is conflict displacement
in which the cat acts out thwarted territorial disputes on its own body.
Although any age, breed, or sex of cat can develop Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, those most susceptible include the Siamese
, Burmese
, and Himalayan
breeds.
such as SSRIs, or sedatives.
Treatment also includes Gabapentin which is a human painkiller for nerve pain and is good for treating phantom leg pain.dose is 10 - 20mg per kg.
Cat
The cat , also known as the domestic cat or housecat to distinguish it from other felids and felines, is a small, usually furry, domesticated, carnivorous mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and for its ability to hunt vermin and household pests...
s that causes episodes of agitation, self-mutilation, and a characteristic rippling of the skin when touched. It is often described as a seizure disorder but the cause is unknown.
Symptoms
During an episode cats show a number of typical signs, including skin rolling or twitching, self-directed pouncing, or aggressive behaviour such as biting or attacking the tail. There may also be pupil dilation, vocalisation and a general increase in activity.Cause
The cause of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome is unknown. Some experts believe FHS to be a form of epilepsyEpilepsy
Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by seizures. These seizures are transient signs and/or symptoms of abnormal, excessive or hypersynchronous neuronal activity in the brain.About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, and nearly two out of every three new cases...
, while others believe it is a behavioural disorder triggered by trauma. Noting that affected cats tend to be dominating rather than submissive, Hollander and Stein argue FHS is conflict displacement
Displacement (psychology)
In Freudian psychology, displacement is an unconscious defense mechanism whereby the mind redirects effects from an object felt to be dangerous or unacceptable to an object felt to be safe or acceptable...
in which the cat acts out thwarted territorial disputes on its own body.
Although any age, breed, or sex of cat can develop Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, those most susceptible include the Siamese
Siamese (cat)
The Siamese is one of the first distinctly recognized breeds of Oriental cat. The origins of the breed are unknown, but it is believed to be from Thailand. In Thailand, where they are one of several native breeds, they are called Wichian Mat...
, Burmese
Burmese (cat)
The Burmese is a breed of domesticated cats split into two subgroups: the American Burmese and the British Burmese . Most modern Burmese are descendants of one female cat called Wong Mau, which was brought from Burma to America in 1930...
, and Himalayan
Himalayan (cat)
The Himalayan cat is a breed of long-haired cat identical in type to the Persian, with the exception of its blue eyes and its point coloration, which were derived from the crossing of the Persian with the Siamese...
breeds.
Treatment
Treatment includes anti-anxiety medicationAnxiolytic
An anxiolytic is a drug used for the treatment of anxiety, and its related psychological and physical symptoms...
such as SSRIs, or sedatives.
Treatment also includes Gabapentin which is a human painkiller for nerve pain and is good for treating phantom leg pain.dose is 10 - 20mg per kg.
External links
- Darleen Rudnick
- Dr. L.Clarke Cushing
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association - World Congress, Vancouver 2001.
- Dr. Jon
- Felipedia