The possible role of zinc in excessive shedding of hair in two Persian cats

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the possible correlation between zinc deficiency and excessive shedding of hair in cats. Two male cats aged 2 and 3 years old, Persian breeds, and weighing 2.9 and 3.2 kg were presented to the Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University with chief complaints of excessive shedding of hair, depressed appetite, and weight loss in the past month. Physical examination revealed a relatively weak body condition. Serum zinc, copper, calcium, and iodine concentrations were measured using commercially available kits (Randox Laboratories, UK) with a spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, UV-1601). Total protein concentrations were assessed with a refractometer also. A decrease in zinc concentrations (35 and 41 μg/dl) was observed in the studied cats, respectively. Based on the clinical history, physical examination, biochemical analysis, and response to treatment, zinc absolute deficiency was diagnosed. In this survey, the status of copper, calcium, iodine concentrations, and total proteins was normal. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there was no report of zinc deficiency in pet animals in Iran. A possible relationship between zinc deficiency and excessive shedding of hair has been reported in the present survey.