Cat got dermatitis - any help or advice much appreciated!

boombap

Hi there,

I'm after some help / advice for my little cat who's currently got an unpleasant looking rash on the rear of his back leg.

As soon as I noticed it he was taken to see the vet who's thankfully ruled out any form of flea/parasite and nor does he believe it to be an allergy.

He suspects that it good be a behavioral condition as we have relatively recently moved house. However he says that if so it's manifesting in an odd way for a cat as the area is very localised (which is more often seen in dogs apparently as cats who over groom through stress do so all over) and also the cat appears very happy in himself - his body language is suggesting happiness - tail straight in the air when walking and rubbing his cheek everywhere.

Anyhoo, the vet's visit was last Friday (one week ago) and the cat was given an anti-immflamatory/anti-itch jab. He's still scratching himself a lot and grooming but he's always been a heavy groomer.

The vet suggested that if itching still continues to buy a 'lampshade' (buster) collar which I did on Monday but it was far from successful as the cat found it extremely distressing, as did we seeing his reaction to it, so we abandoned that.

I bought some non-medicated bandage on Wednesday with the intention of covering the area of leg but that was a lot easier in theory and also failed spectacularly.

So, I'd like to know if anyone could perhaps give me a tip on minimising stress to the cat whilst having the buster on OR tips on bandaging a tricky area OR anything else that you think I should know.

Sorry if the above is a little long winded but the more background info the better I guess.

Many thanks in advance,

S.

PS We just have the one cat and he's currently a house cat (ie no outside access).

hethmar

Have a look here, its wonderful stuff and usually helps a lot (money back if not) Just give them a ring to see if its suitable for cats though.

http://www.aromesse.com/pages/petnat/dermacton.php

boombap

Thanks for your reply Hethmar.

I've taken a look at the before and after pics on the site and the stuff looks to do an absolute cracking job!

The problem is that I asked the vet if they could suggest an ointment/cream/ gel etc and they say that they don't recommend that sort of thing for cats as their natural reaction tells them to lick it off which, in addition to the problem of ingesting the stuff, can aggrevate the wound due the rough nature of a cats' tounge.

Sincere thanks for sending the link though - will keep a note of it for the future (when I hope to have a pooch!).

S.

madget_2

You have my great sympathy. My two have terrible problems with allergies. My girl becomes depressed whenever she has to wear a collar - although we can generally keep her condition under control as she's allergic to mites, but occasionally comes out in bumpy scabs when she's stressed (fireworks, etc). However, my boy isn't happy at first, but eventually just resigns himself to wearing it (just as well as he's been wearing it for over a month now and has at least another month to go until his grass pollen de-sensitising vaccines are finally ready).

My two had the occasional steroid jab until we found out what was causing their allergies, but that's not ideal as it can be harmful if used too often. I'd also be wary of a topically applied product. As your vet pointed out, they're likely to lick and ingest it, or cause more damage with their tongue.

Is the vet collar a clear one? Some cats prefer clear - although they it can confuse others and cause them to walk into walls, etc.

If I were you, I'd definitely contact my vet again and let them know. They may be able to provide you with a course of steroid tablets or give an injection to get them through this, especially if it's a (hopefully) temporary thing caused by the stress of moving.

They can definitely get into a habit of scratching, biting and licking, and that can be difficult to break.

I can't think of anything else to suggest for the moment, but will post again if I do think of anything. As I said, though, it really would be best to have another word with your vet.

Best of luck. I really hope it clears up and he stops licking it soon.

boombap

Thanks Madget - it's very frustating isn't it!

I did actually ring the vets before as i had another illfated go at putting a bandage on him...they've suggested trying to cover the area with a childs sock or some dolls' knickers....two objects which I don't have!

I do however have a small dogs' t-shirt which I'm going to try and put on him the wrong way round later on when I can get an extra pair of hands to help. By 'wrong way round' I mean that his rear paws will go throug the holes that the front ones would and his tail where his head would go if you see what I mean!

I'm thankful that it doesn't appear to be a serious ie life threatening complaint but he's got such a beautiful jet black coat it's so sad seeing these bare and scabby patches.

Thank you again for your response - might post an update if I get anywhere with this!

S.

vl2588

It would help if you could pinpoint the precise cause of the stress. If it is just change due to moving house then perhaps it will pass in time, provide things now stay the same. If it is a new neighbourhood, could a local cat be upsetting him (they have territories and may not like a new arrival) or even getting into the house? Has the cat a nice safe place to go to the toilet? (not in full view). Please bear in mind that stopping the cat from licking th area is NOT solving the problem - the cat will possibly be MORE stressed as the relief has been removed. There is a pheromone called Feliway that can help calm stressed cats down, available from the vets and online. It has been pretty successful but it needs to be used with other measures (such as removing or alleviating the cause of the stress) to work best.

Is it possible being shut indoors is a stressor? Have you started to use any new scents or air fresheners? It can be something quite simple so have a think and you may find the answer. Good luck!

P.S With the buster collar I am afraid it is pretty much a case of letting them get used to it. Take it off when the cat eats (but watch if you can to ensure no licking occurs!) and make sure drinking is still possible. Also, you may have to either take it off to allow the cat some normal grooming time or groom the cat yourself. I had a cat with a very rare conition who had to wear one for an entire year and we used to wash her with a damp flannel (her skin tore if she licked it...horrific ). Don't worry this condition is nothing like your cat's symptoms!

painted

Have you changed his diet? Bought new treats etc? Maybe a food allergy? About collars, you can buy different collars which are less stressful than the big lampshade ones! I found these, the 'comfy cone', 'comfy collar' and the 'trimline' Hope he recovers soon!

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

My MC gets a bald patch on her belly that she bothers because it's itchy. I've told her that she is toasting herself by sleeping on top of the cable box, but she won't listen.

BudgetBlonde

squee wrote: »

Hi there,

I'm after some help / advice for my little cat who's currently got an unpleasant looking rash on the rear of his back leg.

As soon as I noticed it he was taken to see the vet who's thankfully ruled out any form of flea/parasite and nor does he believe it to be an allergy.

He suspects that it good be a behavioral condition as we have relatively recently moved house. However he says that if so it's manifesting in an odd way for a cat as the area is very localised (which is more often seen in dogs apparently as cats who over groom through stress do so all over) and also the cat appears very happy in himself - his body language is suggesting happiness - tail straight in the air when walking and rubbing his cheek everywhere.

Anyhoo, the vet's visit was last Friday (one week ago) and the cat was given an anti-immflamatory/anti-itch jab. He's still scratching himself a lot and grooming but he's always been a heavy groomer.

The vet suggested that if itching still continues to buy a 'lampshade' (buster) collar which I did on Monday but it was far from successful as the cat found it extremely distressing, as did we seeing his reaction to it, so we abandoned that.

I bought some non-medicated bandage on Wednesday with the intention of covering the area of leg but that was a lot easier in theory and also failed spectacularly.

So, I'd like to know if anyone could perhaps give me a tip on minimising stress to the cat whilst having the buster on OR tips on bandaging a tricky area OR anything else that you think I should know.

Sorry if the above is a little long winded but the more background info the better I guess.

Many thanks in advance,

S.

PS We just have the one cat and he's currently a house cat (ie no outside access).

Have you looked at a Feliway? I used one with mine when we moved as she had made herself bald with stress and it did help her.
We also got one when we had a different cat and were bringing a kitten home and it worked a treat. They are quite pricey but if it helps reduce the stress levels it's worth it.
Also, my vet always used to tell me to make sure the cat has a safe place (somewhere high) where it can watch procedings without feeling threatened. Good luck.

rita-rabbit

Cats do not like change. My vets prescribed steriods - but cat was too dopey so once some of the fur grew back I took her off them. I use Feliway. You might want to consider spending more time at home with your cat & games.

epatolles

BudgetBlonde wrote: »

Have you looked at a Feliway? I used one with mine when we moved as she had made herself bald with stress and it did help her.
We also got one when we had a different cat and were bringing a kitten home and it worked a treat. They are quite pricey but if it helps reduce the stress levels it's worth it.
Also, my vet always used to tell me to make sure the cat has a safe place (somewhere high) where it can watch procedings without feeling threatened. Good luck.

my cat had a terrible time when he was sick and would stress out over everything and anything and would pace back and forward - moved house and he seemed to go a bit nuts!
so we got a feliway. it is expensive but it calmed him down and he's ok now. you can also get a spray which i used to put on his bedding