Accepted Answer

Thank you for the additional information. I am worried about your cats feet, and I am particularly concerned about a condition called pemphigus. Pemphigus is an inflammatory illness that causes the immune system to attack layers of the skin, and can result in ulcerations, abscesses and sores that are difficult to heal. Treatment often includes corticosteroids, antibiotics, immune-suppressing drugs, and medicated foot soaks. Diagnosis often requires a biopsy, and this will require general anesthesia for your cats comfort. Please see the following website for more information on pemphigus.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=O&C=O&A=2202

Certain cancers can manifest themselves in this way, and often show up on the feet first. They cause abscesses and sores, pretty much what you are seeing on your kitty. This type of cancer is very aggressive and is usually malignant, and can metastasize to other parts of the body. I do suggest that you ask your vet to take some radiographs of the whole body, particularly looking for masses in the lungs. An ultrasound may be necessary to evaluate any suspicious areas, as it provides a more detailed, 3-dimensional picture when compared to the 2-dimensional view seen on x-ray. A biopsy of the feet can also be helpful, but I do feel that radiographs are necessary because it is important to know if there is any spread of possible tumors.

The skin issues on her feet and the hairloss on her back may be separate issues. Because of her advanced age (cats are geriatric at 8 years old) I am suspicious that she may have an underlying systemic illness that is 1. causing her hair loss and 2. making her more susceptible to the issues on her feet. I feel that another trip to the vet is in order for some more bloodwork, including a thyroid panel to rule out hyperthyroidism, which is one of the illnesses closely associated with hair loss or changes in hair coat. Please see the following website for more information on hyperthyroidism.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=O&C=O&A=138

I also think that you may want to consider asking your vet for a referral to a feline specialist or to a veterinary dermatologist if you have any in your area. They are often more experienced in the hard to diagnose illnesses becuase they see them on a more regular basis. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. If this has been helpful, please hit the green accept button. Good luck with your kitty.

Expert:	ERAnimalNurse
Pos. Feedback:	99.4 %
Accepts:	1333
Answered:	8/2/2008

Emergency Critical Care Nurse

16+ years of veterinary experience