FELINE CHIN ACNE

9/52 #!43 (%!,4( /52 0!33)/. s 6/,5-% )335% s 3%04%-"%2 .%73,%44%2
FELINE CHIN ACNE
Although we may typically associate acne
with teenagers, the fact is, kitties get acne
too. As is often the case with humans, acne
on your kitty’s chin is usually the result of a
plugged sebaceous gland.
Sebaceous glands are very small glands in
the skin that are visible only under a microscope. The glands deposit an oily secretion
on the hairs called sebum. When a gland
becomes blocked with sebum, it can result
in blackheads (black debris) on your kitty’s
chin or around the lips. If not addressed,
the small blackheads and debris can grow
and become pustules (pimple-like lesions).
Feline chin acne is often caused by the substrate (material) of the dish or bowl that a
kitty eats or drinks from; plastic, metal,
ceramic, or painted glass can trigger an
acne outbreak. The substrate least likely to
cause feline chin acne is clear glass with no
decorations or paintings.
Although your kitty’s bowl is often the culprit, there are other possible triggers for
chin acne including stress, food allergies,
overactive sebaceous glands, and other
contact irritants such as the fibers in a
scratching post, wool, down, or a placemat
beneath the bowl.
If you notice that your kitty has chin acne,
it’s important to have your veterinarian perform an examination to check for underlying
medical issues that could be causing acne.
Once an acne diagnosis is confirmed and
other health issues have been ruled out,
your veterinarian will discuss a treatment
plan for clearing up the acne. This may
include topical antibiotics, gels, and washes;
warm compresses may also be recommended. Your veterinarian may also recommend gently washing the chin after
meals. If the acne is more severe, oral antibiotics or even steroids may be indicated.
A key treatment component will often be,
to the best of your ability, removal of potential irritants in your kitty’s environment.
This usually includes the use of clean, clear
glass bowls for food and water; your veterinarian will discuss other potential environmental irritants with you.
If you notice areas of discoloration or irritation on your cat’s chin, or elsewhere on his
or her face, please contact us to schedule
an appointment for an examination.
PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY
(BOTH FURRY AND HUMAN)
FROM PARASITES
Both indoor-only and indoor/outdoor
kitties can be affected by fleas, heartworms, intestinal worms, and other parasites. Parasites are not only annoying to
you and your cat, they can also spread disease and, if left untreated, may lead to serious medical problems.
protect your kitty and your family against a
broad range of parasites.
We can recommend a specific medication
combination and dosage program just for
your cat, and we offer very competitive
product pricing. (Please note that some of
these medications may require a wellness
exam prior to dispensing.)
Please ask us for additional information
about feline parasites. We are happy to
answer any questions you may have.
SEPTEMBER SPECIAL OFFER
FOR OUR READERS
This month, we are offering a number
of great deals to help protect your kitty
against fleas, intestinal parasites, and
heartworm. The cost may be as little as
$7.50 per month! Please speak with us
about the parasite prevention program
that’s best for your furry family member.
Feline parasites are divided into two broad
categories: those that live outside the
body (such as fleas, mites, lice, and ticks),
and those that live inside the body (such
as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms,
tapeworms, and heartworms).
Fortunately, all of these parasites are easily
preventable, typically with simple once-amonth topical or oral medications. Often, a
combination of medications is used to help
Don’t miss an issue of our newsletter! Sign up to receive each month’s issue by email.
To subscribe, just go to www.sacramentocathospital.com, or speak with one of our team members.
3ACRAMENTO #AT (OSPITAL s -ANZANITA !VENUE #ARMICHAEL s s INFO SACRAMENTOCATHOSPITALCOM
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SacramentoCatHospital