Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Very Common, Rarely Diagnosed
A common cat disease that is rarely diagnosed is "Hyperesthesia Syndrome," also called "rolling skin disease" due to the occasional rippling of the skin on the top of a cat's back. I call it "angry cat syndrome" because some cats will unexpectedly growl, bite, or even attack their owners and not want to be held or petted by them.
A cat that has hyperesthesia syndrome can have few or many of these symptoms, ranging from mild to severe:
*Not tolerating petting or holding
*Rippling or rolling of skin on the back
*Sudden licking excessively or biting themselves
*Abruptly running around the house as if something were after them
*Hiding under bed or elsewhere
*Frantic meowing and swishing of the tail
*Attacking objects or their owners without any provocation
*Apparent hallucinations with glassy eyes and dilated pupils
*Some cats spray urine or urinate in the wrong place.
*Some vomit more often
All these felines have severe deep pain in the lumbar area when palpated correctly, and almost all respond well to treatment.
Some veterinarians have seen higher incidence in Siamese cats, but I have seen more in female calico cats.
Hyperesthesia syndrome seems to be a chronic disease of viral origin that effects the brain and/or the spinal chord. Kittens can be born with it and have it for their entire life. Some Cats acquire it following a bite from an infected cat and have acute symptoms with changes in the blood picture (blood tests).
Many owners are relieved to find that their cat is not "crazy" or "schizophrenic" but actually is a good cat that is tormented by serious pain. When put on the proper medications, these cats can act normal and enjoy life. Any cat can have this disease. If you think your beloved feline may suffer from this disorder, please see a veterinarian.
by: Judson H. Pierce, D.V.M., Reno Animal Hospital
Forgive me, I am a college student and have put this page together very quickly (as of tonight 10-26-03, Lucky has only been gone for four days and I only found out about this syndrome yesterday!).
Please visit the "Links" page to view the best websites that I have come across so far. I will be updating shortly, and including a page that you can print out and take to your vet-- Just in case he or she has never come across feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
