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For the past six months, my female cat, age 14, has been licking herself and scrathing herself to the point of bleeding. I have taken her to the vet. At first they thought she had allergies and gave her two rounds of steroid shots. This did not help. Then they thought she had been attacked. We have kept her in the house and it is only getting worse. She has at least ten different spots on her body that have these sores and she keeps licking and scratching at them. I'm at a loss. Can you help?

Submitted: 288 days ago.

Category: Cat

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Age: >12; Female

Already Tried:
Steroid shots, amoxi drops, animax cream.
Her ears are also affected by this.

Accepted Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXXXX,

Sorry to hear about your little one's discomfort. When I have a case come into my clinic similar to yours, I will recommend the following to that client.

1) Skin scrape - to look for mites (this can take a few scrapes to finally find the mite)
2) Fungal culture - to evaluate for a dermatophyte growing on the fur/skin
3) Impression smear - to look for bacteria and yeast at the sites
4) Biopsy of the lesion - to look for immune mediated issues as the source

Here are some good links that I would like you to read.

http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2607
http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=656
http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2607

I think it would be wise to to run the tests above to get more information about what is going on. That way we can start to rule stuff in or out. So far it sounds like empirical response to therapy isn't working and we need information to allow more tailored therapy.

One option that some owners will pursue for skin issues is referral to a veterinary dermatologist. This is something you could ask your vet about.

Dr. Bruce

Accepts:
Expert:	Dr. Bruce
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	2/7/2009

Veterinarian

10 Years of practical experience in ER and day practice work

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Age: >12; Female

Already Tried:
Steroid shots, amoxi drops, animax cream.
Her ears are also affected by this.

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Age: >12; Female Already Tried: Steroid shots, amoxi drops, animax cream. Her ears are also affected by this.

Accepted Answer

Related Cat Questions

Age: >12; Female

Already Tried:
Steroid shots, amoxi drops, animax cream.
Her ears are also affected by this.