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. 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. Stress increases the release of -melanocyte-stimulating hormone and causes increased grooming and endorphin production. The first theory suggests feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a behavioural disorder, which is caused by either behavioural displacement or stress factors. There are three main theories on the cause of the syndrome, as outlined below: 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. 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. This muscle is located directly under the skin and is hyperresponsive when scratched, which thereby causes the rippling effect. The rolling of the dorsal, lumbar region of skin is instigated by the skeletal muscle (cutaneous trunci). These episodes can occur multiple times per day or per week, and may be triggered by endogenous or exogenous stimuli. After such episode, the cat will generally return to its normal behaviour. Ĭlinical signs will generally present themselves in brief episodes of one to two minutes. Additionally, hallucinations and behaviour similar to oestrus, commonly referred to as heat, have been observed and were reported in the first article on the syndrome in 1980. 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. Cats affected by the condition may display a variable number of clinical signs based on the underlying cause. Clinical Signs įeline hyperesthesia syndrome affects the endocrine system, nervous system, neuromuscular system, and exocrine system. 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. 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. These clinical signs usually appear in a distinct episode, with cats returning to normal afterwards. 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 lumbar skin. The syndrome usually appears in cats after they've reached maturity, with most cases first arising in cats between one and five years old. The syndrome may also be referred to as feline hyperaesthesia syndrome, apparent neuritis, atypical neurodermatitis, psychomotor epilepsy, pruritic dermatitis of Siamese, rolling skin syndrome, and twitchy cat disease. 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 Good, provided the cat doesn't self-mutilate excessively.įirst reported in 1980 by J. The syndrome will remain present for the cat's entire life, but episodes only last for one to two minutes.īehavioural adaptation, pharmaceuticals and alternative medicine. "Feline hyperaesthesia syndrome", "apparent neuritis", "atypical neurodermatitis", "psychomotor epilepsy", "pruritic dermatitis of Siamese", "rolling skin syndrome", "twitchy skin disease", and "twitchy cat disease".įrantic 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.Īround 9–12 months, or when the cat reaches maturity. Medical condition Feline hyperesthesia syndrome
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