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Center-Sinai Animal Hospital
Serving the Los Angeles Community since 1969
10737 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 559-3770
Full
range of pet care and emergency veterinary services available
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check our pet care articles and stories, too. Please note: if you believe your pet's situation is critical, Dr. Baum urges you to contact your vet ASAP.
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Matted Irish Fur
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Dear Dr. Baum --
I adopted a cat that was
left ashore about two year ago, I reckon he was one of those cats
they have on the ships for the rats maybe, I don’t know. But anyway,
he was always well groomed and washed himself daily until recently
he has lumps of matted fur in and around the lower of his back, It
didn’t seem to bother him until a few days ago when he wouldn’t let
me rub him. I tried to cut it off but he won’t let me. Can you give
me any idea what could be the cause? I hope it’s not serious.
Thanking you for your time,
Marlene, County Cork. Eire
Dear Marlene --
Happily, your problem should be a simple one to resolve. The most
common reason for matting and irritation of the skin at the base of
the tail and the lower back is an allergy to flea bites. In
susceptible animals, the saliva from a biting flea that is injected
anywhere on the body during a bite will produce the classic signs
of chewing and scratching on the lower back. Take your friend into
your veterinarian and he or she will probably give a cortisone
injection that will temporarily relieve the itching. If the hair is
difficult or painful to comb out, it can be shaved off with an
appropriate clipper.
For long term control, it is imperative that any flea problem be
addressed because the problem will recur again and again if the
kitty is exposed to fleas. Thankfully, there are products like
Advantage or Frontline that do an excellent job as long as they are
reapplied monthly. All animals in the environment should be treated
with these products to eliminate any safe harbors for the fleas.
Dr. Baum
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CSAH Doctors' Hours
Monday - Friday:
8:00 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat.: 8:00 am-4 pm
Sun.: 10 am-4 pm
Drop-Off's, Pet Pick Ups, Medicine/Food Pickups
Not Requiring Doctors' Attention
Monday-Friday:
7:30 am - 9 pm
Sat.:
7:30 am - 4 pm
Sun: 10 am - 4 pm
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