Flea allergy dermatitis...

paddypaws101

chiefpossession wrote: »

I had a quick look at the active ingredients and it does not mention the compound highlighted in the Bob Martin collar. I found this FAQ sheet if it helps

http://www.seresto.com/en/seresto-for-cats/about-seresto/frequently-asked-questions

I have heard of at least two cases (on petforums) where cats have had a nasty reaction to Seresto...sadly, non of these treatments are risk free.

Mayflower10cat

We had a cat, 'big bad tabby Sam' who developed flea-bite allergy/dermatitis in his later years. This was some years ago admittedly, but we used a 2-pronged approach for his allergy;- he was on Program (which was a systemic which went on his food once a month) plus 'Stronghold' topical spot-on. To calm the initial hot/itchy skin irritation he was on Pred. for about 2 months.

mrsdwhite

I've taken a bit of a battle against them. I've treated the house with Indorex, washed bedding and rugs on 90c wash. Treated,him with spot on and skin-eze for the itching. Touch wood his rash is almost gone, I think I need to keep fighting this battle now, what's annoying is that we've never seen any fleas, and our other cat hasn't had any issues, even though she's the one that catches mice and birds!
I will ask the vet about other treatment options as he really hates the spot ons which makes it harder to treat him.

arbroath_lass

There may not be any fleas on your cat or in your house. My cat has a similar issue and she has none. She is checked regularly. And I am susceptible to flea bites (having had an issue with a previous cat) and have had none.


The issue seems to be they are being bitten and that could be happening outside.




That doesn't mean what you are doing is wrong. You still need to ensure your cat and home is flea free.


My cat got a hydrocortisone injection last time and that stopped the irritation.

mrsdwhite

Your theory might be right. I have noticed tonight that his rash seems to be coming back :mad:
I will have another bit of a spray with some more Indorex on some bits I might have missed. If that still doesn't work I will take him to the vet.

4nnabella

One of my cats is susceptible to dermatitis and I use Advantage flea treatment which I get from Animed Direct and I add an oil to their food, it's called Yumega or something (I'll check) which helps her skin.

artbaron

mrsdwhite wrote: »

I've taken a bit of a battle against them. I've treated the house with Indorex, washed bedding and rugs on 90c wash. Treated,him with spot on and skin-eze for the itching. Touch wood his rash is almost gone, I think I need to keep fighting this battle now, what's annoying is that we've never seen any fleas, and our other cat hasn't had any issues, even though she's the one that catches mice and birds!
I will ask the vet about other treatment options as he really hates the spot ons which makes it harder to treat him.

How do you know it's fleas? It could be harvest mites this time of year. Harvest mites aren't affected by flea spray.

mrsdwhite

artbaron wrote: »

How do you know it's fleas? It could be harvest mites this time of year. Harvest mites aren't affected by flea spray.

I don't know it's fleas, that's part of the problem. I'm going by what the vet told me, even though they did a quick test for fleas and didn't find any that is the only explanation I was offered.
I've never heard of harvest mites, how could I get rid of them if they're not affected by flea spray?

artbaron

mrsdwhite wrote: »

I've never heard of harvest mites, how could I get rid of them if they're not affected by flea spray?

Harvest mites cause itchy bumps like fleas and can cause allergies, but they're not as persistent as fleas nor as irritating. They're only active late summer and early Autumn and they only stay on their hosts for a couple of days or so. They only bite in the larval stage, when they mature to adults they're harmless, just like little red spiders. They're tiny (1/5th mm) and are bright orange so if your eyesight is good up close you'll definitely see them at the site of a bite, or between the toes.

They're difficult to get rid of but Effipro spray is said to work. You need to administer it once a week and it's expensive, but again, you only need to do it in harvest mite season.

My dog had them for a month or so. I picked about two dozen off with surgical tweezers (they don't borrow, just bite) and any remaining seem to have died themselves or dropped off. I've got some spray but haven't used it yet so I can't say how effective it is.

You'd also do well to check if you're in a harvest mite region. Not everywhere has them. Up here in Cumbria they're all over the place in the long grass but some places don't have them at all.