Rolling Skin Syndrome

[Calypso47]

We've been dealing with 'rolling cat syndrome' for 3 years with our 10 year old cat. She just went up to .4 ml of fluoxetine which helps, but isn't a complete solution as she still pulls her hair out, bites herself when agitated and hides when it is really bad. Does anyone know of better treatments?

 

[fionasmom]

Welcome to The Cat Site! By "rolling cat syndrome" you mean feline hyperesthesia syndrome?

Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102903&id=4952886

I assume that you have done quite a bit of leg work on this, given that she has had FHS for 3 years, and don't mean to tell you what you already know.

Did the vet rule out any other causes which might be orthopedic or neurological? Any skin conditions or fleas? Fluoxetine itself can cause agitation and other kinds of FHS symptoms as a side effect. I am not a vet, so am not telling you that this is what is happening, but it did make me wonder. Articles mention gabapentin and phenobarbital as frequently used but the third one does mention fluoxetine and clomipramine.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I have heard that arthritis can exacerbate FHS, so you might want to see about having your cat's spine/joints x-rayed. Anti-inflammatories, in addition to her current medication, might help curb incidents. Just something to consider.

 

[Calypso47]

Welcome to The Cat Site! By "rolling cat syndrome" you mean feline hyperesthesia syndrome?

Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102903&id=4952886

I assume that you have done quite a bit of leg work on this, given that she has had FHS for 3 years, and don't mean to tell you what you already know.

Did the vet rule out any other causes which might be orthopedic or neurological? Any skin conditions or fleas? Fluoxetine itself can cause agitation and other kinds of FHS symptoms as a side effect. I am not a vet, so am not telling you that this is what is happening, but it did make me wonder. Articles mention gabapentin and phenobarbital as frequently used but the third one does mention fluoxetine and clomipramine.

Thank you for all the information. Yes, those are her symptoms. Our vet has checked her out numerous times and we've also been to a specialist that thought it was a food allergy, but that isn't the case. Skin conditions and fleas have been ruled out. We have an appointment tomorrow morning so I'll suggest the other medications you suggested. Thanks again!

 

[Calypso47]

I have heard that arthritis can exacerbate FHS, so you might want to see about having your cat's spine/joints x-rayed. Anti-inflammatories, in addition to her current medication, might help curb incidents. Just something to consider.

Thank you. We'll check out arthritis with the vet too.

 

[Calypso47]

Welcome to The Cat Site! By "rolling cat syndrome" you mean feline hyperesthesia syndrome?

Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102903&id=4952886

I assume that you have done quite a bit of leg work on this, given that she has had FHS for 3 years, and don't mean to tell you what you already know.

Did the vet rule out any other causes which might be orthopedic or neurological? Any skin conditions or fleas? Fluoxetine itself can cause agitation and other kinds of FHS symptoms as a side effect. I am not a vet, so am not telling you that this is what is happening, but it did make me wonder. Articles mention gabapentin and phenobarbital as frequently used but the third one does mention fluoxetine and clomipramine.

We are going to try gabapentin to see if that helps. Our vet says it's quite bitter so we'll have to see if our cat will eat the canned food with it mixed in. I appreciate the comments people sent. Thanks.

 

[fionasmom]

What form of gabapentin did he give you?

Gabapentin Medication & Information for Animals

You might be able to get it in another form.