Inflammatory processes in the area of the corners of the mouth and chin in cats are called acne. This disease can manifest itself in many ways and often brings discomfort to the animal. The exact etiology of the disease is not established, as the causes of the appearance of acne in cats can be very much: food allergies or dermatitis, improper care of skin and pet hair, inflammation of the sebaceous glands. In order to quickly recognize the onset of the inflammatory process and prevent the disease at the very beginning, the first thing to do is to become familiar with the symptoms.
Acne in cats - symptoms
Look at the skin around the mouth. Initially, there will be a slight redness. Further we observe: if you notice purulent formations in the form of cones or globules, there is no doubt. Later on these formations appear black or white dots, with pressure, the eel breaks and pus is released.
If the animal has combed the inflamed place and the pus has come out, a little crust forms in time after this time, which gradually disappears. Another symptom is the behavior of the pet itself: the cat constantly itches and tears the pustules. Sometimes acne in cats takes place in a lighter form and instead of pustules, black gums are formed.
Diagnosis of acne in a cat on the chin
For the above symptoms, you can identify the onset of inflammation, but the expert must establish the diagnosis correctly. The fact is that similar manifestations are observed in fungal diseases, various infections, ringworm, demodecosis . It is likely that the veterinarian will turn to a biopsy of the skin, and if suspected of a secondary infection, plant tests for sensitivity.
Treatment of acne in cats
The process of treatment in the first place will depend on the nature of the course of the disease. If this is a single episode, then recovery will come quickly. But there are cases when acne in a cat on the chin is chronically. Such cases include the structure of hair follicles: there is a constant accumulation of keratin, which is the cause of periodic inflammation in the region of the mouth and chin.
Treatment should be continuous and last approximately 3-4 weeks. Previously, hair in the affected areas are cut, especially for severe forms of disease and longhaired breeds. At the initial stage, one of the drugs is prescribed until the pathological process is completed. Such preparations include the following:
- systemic antibiotics (prescribe enrofloxacin, cephalosporin antibiotics, amoxicillin);
- Special shampoos (they have antiseboric action, they should be used twice a week);
- cleaning agents of local action (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, applied twice a day externally);
- special antibacterial agents of local action (ointment or gel muciropsy helps, make sure that the animal does not lick it);
- You can use solutions or ointments (erythromycin or clindamycin, also do not lick and apply twice a day);
- combined drugs (there are special gels and ointments, which include antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide);
- retinoids of local action.
For the treatment of acne in cats with rare manifestations, specialists start a special protocol, where they note the nature and frequency of manifestations. Proceeding from this, the treatment system is gradually selected. If the acne in cats is continuous, then the veterinarian appoints special ointments or gels, which once or twice a week must be applied to the pet on the foci of inflammation all the time.