What does it mean when your cat has lost skin under its chin and bumpy?

Loss of skin under the chin in cats is a common condition, with many potential causes.

1. Skin conditions

- Eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC) is a common skin disease in cats that can cause thickened, red, or hairless skin. EGC can affect the skin anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly seen on the head, neck, and limbs.

- Dermatitis is a general term for skin inflammation. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, infections, and parasites. Dermatitis can cause the skin to become red, swollen, itchy, and scaly.

- Ringworm is a fungal infection that can cause hair loss, scaling, and crusting of the skin. Ringworm is contagious to both humans and other animals.

- Bacterial infections can also cause hair loss and crusting of the skin. Bacterial infections are often treated with antibiotics.

2. Immune system disorders

- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that can cause a variety of health problems in cats, including skin lesions. FeLV is spread through contact with the saliva or blood of an infected cat.

- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is another retrovirus that can cause a variety of health problems in cats, including skin lesions. FIV is spread through contact with the saliva or blood of an infected cat.

- Other immune system disorders can also cause skin lesions. These disorders may be difficult to diagnose and may require specialized testing.

3. Cancer

- Skin cancer can also cause hair loss and crusting of the skin. Skin cancer is most common in older cats, and it is often fatal.

- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type of skin cancer in cats. SCC is a type of malignant tumor that arises from the squamous cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. SCC can appear as a raised, firm, red or pink bump on the skin.

- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is another type of skin cancer in cats. BCC is less common than SCC, and it is less aggressive. BCC appears as a raised, pearly pink or white bump on the skin.

- Mast cell tumors are a type of skin cancer that arise from mast cells, which are immune cells. Mast cell tumors can appear as a raised, red or pink bump on the skin, or they can be flat and red.

4. Other causes

- Trauma can also cause skin lesions. Trauma can occur when a cat is scratched, bitten, or hit.

- Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to skin problems. Cats that do not get enough vitamins and minerals may have skin that is dry, flaky, or scaly.