What to do if your cat has black spots in his fur?

People rarely focus on the fact that a cat has black spots on its chin. From their point of view, this is a frequent occurrence and does not pose a threat. But if you dig deeper, you can find out that the presence of blackheads on the chin and other parts of the body is a signal. In some cases, this is a sign of illness or, at least, a consequence of improper care. Therefore, let's find out where black dots appear on the beard and other parts of the body of our pets, what they can mean and how to deal with this scourge.

What is acne

Acne is the scientific name for blackheads; they can also be called blackheads (pimples), since that's exactly what they are. If you notice dark rashes on your pet, make sure that it is acne. After all, parasite feces and dried droplets of blood look identical. First try to remove the spots, if you can't do it, then it's blackheads. It is also worth paying attention to the localization of blackheads. Most of all, eels like to “settle” on the chin, and insect waste products can be found on any part of the animal’s body. Although, if the case is advanced, black spots in the cat’s fur may be located in other places:

• inner thighs;
• elbow bends;
• jaw;
• nipples;
• eyelids.

Localization can be observed even in the anus area. If the rashes are multiple, the pussy should be shown to a doctor.

Acne symptoms

In addition to the notorious blackheads, skin disease is accompanied by other symptoms:

• swelling;
• baldness;
• the skin turns red;
• small pimples appear (then there are more of them, they increase in size).

The pet may also behave restlessly and itch. After all, the formations hurt and itch. Please note that making an accurate diagnosis is the job of a veterinarian. Only a qualified person can determine the nature of the rash. In this case, diagnosis is an important factor. Indeed, according to the results of the study, black specks on the cat’s face may turn out to be traces of the vital activity of a fungus, parasites, or even a skin biopsy. The examination also excludes the presence of diseases with similar symptoms:

• scabies;
• demodicosis;
• allergy;
• dermatophytosis;
• eosinophilic granuloma.

If you see black dots in your cat's fur, you have plugs in the skin clogged with sebum. In this sense, animals are just like us.

Causes of acne in cats

Acne in cats, or acne, occurs due to various factors. The main causes of the disease are:

• the pet is under constant stress - it is the unstable state of the nervous system that leads to increased work of the sebaceous glands;
• insufficient hygiene (not regularly washing the animal with constant contamination - it is the secretion of the sebaceous glands that is an excellent breeding ground for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms);
• skin diseases;
• disruptions in the functioning of the glands that produce sebaceous secretions;
• disturbances in the formation of hair follicles and the development of alopecia (patches of baldness);
• weak immune status of the cat’s body;
• allergic reactions.

Acne occurs in both small kittens and adult cats. It has been noted that Sphynx cats are susceptible to the disease more often than other breeds. But cats and kittens, deprived of the opportunity to reproduce, suffer from acne several times less often than their non-castrated relatives.

Veterinarians, who especially often encounter dermatological problems in cats, do not recommend that owners engage in treatment at home without prior diagnosis.

It is imperative to conduct a general clinical examination, take scrapings from the affected areas, and also do laboratory tests. This is important in order to exclude the possibility of the development of other pathologies, among which is a specific reaction of the body to the introduction of foreign proteins.

Acne in cats has similar symptoms to dermatophytosis, the initial stages of demodicosis and scabies. Acne is often confused with eosinophilic granuloma. Only on the basis of diagnostic measures is it possible to conduct a differential analysis. Acne itself is not dangerous and is fairly easy to treat.

Causes of blackheads

The reason for the localization of acne on the chin is in the characteristics of the animal’s coat. The chin is one of the most fur-free places on an animal’s body, so there are a lot of sebaceous glands there that cause rashes. Among other things, this part of the body is often contaminated during eating, which only benefits the glands.

However, if your cat has black spots around his mouth, don't immediately blame dirt. Many clean pets that receive proper care suffer due to heredity. If your pet is overtaken by such an individual trait, do not worry. Although there is no cure for acne, its symptoms can be kept under control using hygiene products.

Also, black spots in a cat’s mouth can appear for the following reasons:

• hormone failure;
• eating disorders;
• problems with the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, liver;
• disorders of a vegetative and immune nature.

Black specks of a cat in the ears indicate poor care. Under normal conditions, the body produces sulfur in small quantities. Usually, sulfur does not interfere with the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands, but it tends to accumulate, causing a malfunction of the glands and, as a result, the appearance of acne. This is especially true for breeds with large, open ears. It is noteworthy that excessive care can also lead to the formation of dots. If you clean your pet's ears too thoroughly, the glands may begin to secrete wax in double the amount to restore the protective layer.

If your cat has black spots in her fur and is wearing a collar, it may be an accessory issue. In this case, it could be an allergy to the collar material, irritation, or insufficient air flow to the skin.

Among other things, black spots in a cat’s mouth can be caused by stress, poor care of dishes, and allergies to litter. Rashes can also occur due to contact dermatitis and other skin diseases that provoke increased oil production.

As you can see, there are many reasons, and in order to identify the original source of the problem, you need to contact a veterinarian.

Orchitis in animals

Orchitis is an inflammation of the gonads (testes) in animals, characterized by pathological processes in the male testicles, which causes disruption of the development of germ cells and infertility.

One or both testicles are affected, most often together with the spermatic cord (epididymitis), which leads to the development of orchiepididymitis.

Causes of the disease:

1. trauma (bruise, bite, wound)
2. damage to the skin of the scrotum (chemical/thermal/biological burns, frostbite, scratches and abrasions), through which infection penetrates
3. overheating, hypothermia
4. infectious diseases due to which pathogenic microflora penetrates from other areas into the genitourinary tract
5. helminthic and parasitic infestations
6. radiation

In some cases, orchitis in animals is secondary to damage to the vaginal membrane of the testis or scrotum.

The development of pathology is promoted by:

1. inflammatory processes in the kidneys, bladder, urethra
2. diseases of the prostate gland, prepuce, penis
3. purulent lesions of the skin • diseases of the digestive system (protozoa, bacilli, cocci, lamblia, helminths)
4. decreased immunity (stress, old age, acute and chronic diseases)
5. diabetes mellitus, vitamin deficiency
6. unsanitary conditions
7. violation of content rules
8. poor monotonous food

Pathogenesis

Negative factors, combined with a decrease in the body’s defenses, as well as pathologies in the male genital organ or vas deferens, lead to inflammation of the testicles.

Swelling of the mucous membrane and a change in the environment in the tubules are accompanied by dilution of the secretion of the gonads and impaired sperm formation, as a result of which the animal develops infertility.

Treatment of this pathology is long-term, the prognosis is questionable.

Clinical signs of orchitis in animals

The disease is accompanied by general depression of the animal and attacks of anxiety, as a result of which sleep and appetite are disturbed.

A sick male exhibits:

• increase in general and local temperature
• swelling of the scrotum
• enlargement and tenderness of the testis (testicle is hard to the touch)
• the animal moves with its limbs spread wide and its stomach drawn in
• with a unilateral lesion, the hind paw is set aside on the side of the diseased organ

If left untreated, the testicles shrink, becoming small and hard. The animal completely loses its ability to reproduce.

Purulent orchitis

It develops when pyogenic microbes invade the testes. The inflammatory process can spread from the affected organ to surrounding tissues, and also penetrate the urinary tract and intestines.

Symptoms:

• lethargy, depression
• loss of appetite, anorexia
• fever
• enlargement and hardening of the lymph nodes in the groin, pain on palpation
• swelling of the scrotum that extends to the abdominal wall and penis
• the testis is enlarged several times, pain is present
• The male has lameness, tension when walking
• sperm contains blood and pus
• formation of abscesses, after spontaneous opening of which fistulas appear

Traumatic orchitis

It is a consequence of infection entering the wound, or due to blunt trauma to the testis (bruise). The process develops several hours after organ damage.

The disease is accompanied by:

• depression, lethargy
• refusal to feed
• thickening and compaction of the vas deferens
• swelling of the scrotum on which there are abrasions, wounds, hemorrhages under the skin
• increased body temperature and diseased organ
• removal of the hind limb from the side of the affected testis
• attacks of painful colic, during which the animal becomes restless

Infectious orchitis

It is a concomitant disease of some infections and is more severe than other types.

The animal has:

• fever
• lack of appetite
• depressed state
• enlargement of the testes, pain syndrome

Often pathogenic microflora penetrates the intestinal wall, causing inflammation of the mucous membrane (colitis).

Laboratory tests of sperm reveal pathological forms of germ cells. Palpation of the gonads reveals softening of the parenchyma, which indicates rapidly developing dystrophic processes in the testicles.

Seals are detected when connective tissue grows, which replaces normal tissue and leads to the development of atrophy.

Possible complications:

1. inability to breed
2. atrophy of the gonads
3. cyst formation
4. violation of seminal fluid production (complete absence)
5. prostatitis
6. inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary organs
7. damage to the intestinal tract

Diagnostics

Confirmation of the presence of the disease is based on general clinical symptoms and laboratory testing of blood and semen.

Leukocytes and red blood cells are found in the seminal fluid, indicating the presence of an inflammatory process in the testes. If the disease is advanced, then lifeless sperm or their complete absence can be found in the semen.

Sometimes a biopsy of testicular tissue is required.

Therapy for orchitis in animals

When the first signs of illness appear, immediately seek help from a veterinarian. The disease should only be treated by a specialist, otherwise severe complications, pet disability and death are possible.

It is advisable to call a veterinary urologist at home without exposing your sick pet to additional stress and discomfort.

When treating the disease, you should provide the animal with rest (including avoiding mating), providing it with a warm, dry room.

To relieve pain:

1. cold (dry compresses)
2. analgesics, blockade with novocaine
3. after 2-3 days warm, light massage

You can call a veterinarian at home around the clock on our website, following the link.

To treat inflammatory processes, the doctor prescribes broad-spectrum antibiotics (after sensitivity testing) and sulfonamides, taking into account the general condition and concomitant pathologies.

Superficial damage to the skin of the scrotum is treated with antiseptic solutions and ointments containing antibiotics.

In case of purulent orchitis, the introduction of antibacterial drugs directly into the testis is indicated, and in the presence of an abscess, its opening.

The chronic form of damage to the testes, as well as significant proliferation of connective tissue, requires surgical intervention - castration of the male.

Treatment tips

If you decide to rid your pet of acne on your own, follow these simple rules to speed up recovery:

1. Do not use brushes to scratch the damaged surface.
2. There is no need to frequently and generously lubricate the affected area, as this will cause the skin to dry out.
3. If you use iodine, brilliant green or alcohol-containing liquids for a long time to treat blackheads, you can provoke an increase in the secretion of the sebaceous glands. As a result, your pet is guaranteed a new blockage and diffuse spreading of the rash. If your cat has black spots on his nose, you can use water-based methylene blue instead of brilliant green. It has the same healing properties, but it will not cause irritation.
4. If you use ointment, apply it in a thin layer. Otherwise, the skin will not breathe, which will lead to another outbreak of dermatitis.

In conclusion, I would like to give you some advice - if you find black spots in your cat’s fur, show him to the veterinarian. After all, most skin diseases are associated with problems of internal organs. Suddenly your pet has problems with the liver or gastrointestinal tract. In this case, you won’t be able to limit yourself to just one ointment or lotion.

Fleas are another cause of black spots on a cat’s testicles.

If black dots are found on a cat's eggs, it can be assumed that he has fleas.

To know for sure whether a cat has fleas or not, you should sit your pet on a white sheet of paper and comb it well. If black spirals and blurry red or brown spots remain on the leaf, then most likely the animal has fleas.

At the same time, the pet’s behavior changes greatly, it may be bothered by:

• decreased appetite;
• increased anxiety;
• worms;
• allergic reaction;
• small red dots on the skin;
• severe itching and irritation throughout the body.

Removing fleas using modern medications is not difficult; the main thing in this matter is methodicality and strict adherence to recommendations.

The veterinarian must decide which specific product to use. This could be a bathing shampoo, spray, injection solution, collar, tablets or drops on the withers.

To completely get rid of parasites, it is recommended to change the animal’s bedding and thoroughly treat all surfaces on which the cat spends the most time.

When getting an animal, every responsible owner takes care of its health - good food, conditions, vaccinations, love and affection, all this is provided to the pet in full. However, there are many problems that manifest themselves regardless of a person's efforts. In this article we will tell you what to do if your cat turns out to be cryptorchid.

Folk remedies

1. Black spots on a cat's lips can be wiped with a decoction of yarrow.
2. A decoction of celandine helps well. They wipe the affected areas and make lotions.
3. Some people treat acne in animals with pumpkin. To do this, take a fresh pumpkin cut and smear the dots with it. The procedure must be repeated three times a day. Each time you need to use a fresh cut.
4. A decoction of calendula with chamomile flowers, mixed with two tablets of furatsilin, has worked well. It is recommended to use the product twice a day.

You can also treat black spots on a cat's face with chlorophyllipt or clotrimazole 1%. The products are not rubbed in, limited to spot application. Sulfur ointment is applied over the drug.

Treatment with any drugs or agents should be discontinued in the following cases:

1. Skin irritation is visible. To treat black spots around the cat's mouth, you need to wait until the skin heals. After all, you can only influence the entire cover.
2. Expansion of the area of ​​the rash. This indicates the ineffectiveness of treatment.
3. Acne disappeared due to recovery.