Alopecia psicogena felina = Feline psychogenic alopecia

Compulsive disorders in veterinary behavioral medicine are still poorly understood and therefore often over-diagnosed. Feline psychogenic alopecia is classified as oral compulsive disorder. Compulsive behaviors appears abnormal because are shown out of context and are often repetitive, exaggerated and prolonged in time. These behaviors share a similar pathophysiology (eg. changes in the serotonergic, dopaminergic and beta-endorphin systems). In order to formulate a correct diagnosis and an appropriate treatment, it is always very important to take into account the whole animal organism. Further investigations are needed in such cases for a more accurate differential diagnosis.