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