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Miss Pittypat was a stray whomo we took in four years ago. She had been spayed and was used to people - but had tapeworms and was very underweight. She has been on BARF diet for three years and is medicated for hyperthyroidism for the past year and has gained weight splendidly - from 5 to 8 lbs. But she suffers from chronic sinus congestion and recently developed pus-filled bumps on her ears (front and back) which would pop and seem to blister her skin. Her ears are no hairless and seem to irritate her. Loca vet is stumped and has ruled out mites (for which she was trated a month ago). He suspects that she has weakened immune system from herpes virus. Your opinion would be very welcome. Thank you,

Submitted: 482 days and 9 hours ago.

Category: Cat

Value: $15

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Optional Information:
Age: 6; Female; Breed: toity stray

Already Tried:
washing ears in soap and water and applying triple antibiotic cream. For two days on 12.5 mg zeniquin daily (seems to be helping). For past year on 5 mg methimazole daily for thyroid - response has been excellent and has gained 3 lbs. For sinus congestion PetAlive Sinurite for the past year with little results.

Accepted Answer

Hello, XXXXXXXXX, and thanks for your question re: Miss Pittypat.

From your description, if ear mites have been definitely ruled out, there are other microscopic skin mites, like demodectic and sarcoptic, in addition to others, which could be causing this reaction on her ears.

If she's on the BARF diet, her incidence of food allergies is greatly diminished, however, not eliminated completely. Contact allergies or inhalant allergies are also possible. I'm assuming the doctor has also ruled out ringworm. An immune-mediated condition like herpes virus could also be related, as your vet suggested, but a skin scraping and culture of the area would reveal the most diagnostic information at this time.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/allergies.html
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/ringworm.html
http://www.petplace.com/cats/sarcoptic-mange-in-cats/page1.aspx
http://www.nzymes.com/articles/cat_skin_hair_problems.htm

I hope the vet is able to refer you to a feline dermatology specialist, if s/he cannot make a definite diagnosis, and all will be well with Miss Pittypat!

Cher

Accepts:
Expert:	Jessesmom
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Answered:	7/28/2008

Feline Specialist Health/Behavior

Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience

482 days and 7 hours ago.

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I

Posted by Jessesmom 482 days and 6 hours ago.

Answer

Hello again, and thanks very much for your accept.

Yes, please feel free to call on me again, in the future. Just start your question with 'For Cher'.

Thanks!

Cher

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Hello again, and thanks very much for your accept. Yes, please feel free to call on me again, in the future. Just start your question with 'For Cher'. Thanks! Cher

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Hello again, and thanks very much for your accept.

Yes, please feel free to call on me again, in the future. Just start your question with 'For Cher'.

Thanks!

Cher