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I have a 4 year old domestic tabby who up until recently was very healthy. He is an outdoor cat and in the last 6 months has developed a terrible skin infection. We are now on the second lot of antibiotics ( first lot he threw up) he is now wearing a bucket to stop the incessant licking, no food other than Royal Canin Hypoallegenic diet. I now have to keep him indoors ( easier than it sounds!) any further ideas? Coudl it be grasses, other people feeding him or him stealing food? He used to eat roo meat and we got him off that - the skin is now bleeding and hair loss is prevailant both flanks and tail... he's obviously very itchy and very grumpy!

Submitted: 170 days and 18 hours ago.
Category: Cat Veterinary
Value: $17
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
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Posted by CriticalCareVet 170 days and 18 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi there,

Thank you for your post!

- Is he an indoor only cat?

- Any weight loss?

- Aside from the antibiotics, any other medications?

- Does he get other food aside from the hypoallergenic food?

170 days and 18 hours ago.

Reply

he is generally outdoors all day and in at night from dusk till dawn. No other food apart from the hypoallergenic food - although this has only been for the past week.

My vet says he's overweight - weighing in at 7.5 kg - but he is a big tabby. We are reducing the amoint we are feeding him. He drinks a great deal of water.

Accepted Answer

Hi there,

Being an outdoor cat - this can certainly be due to either allergies or even infectious causes such as bacteria, fleas, or mites.

In a case such as this - I would make sure (if not done already) that your cat is on a safe and effective flea prevention such as prescription Advantage. Even if you do not see 1 flea, there can be 1 on their that causes your cat to have quite and allergic reaction.

Moreover - if an allergic component is possible, I would speak to your veterinarian about the use of either a antihistamine or even a steroid for a short period of time to see if this is effective.

There are specific allergy tests that can be done, most commonly by a board certified dermatologist - and seeing as you have been through a lot at this time - that may be a referral your veterinarian would advise as well.

Please let me know if that helps!
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Please click "ACCEPT" if the information I have provided has been of help so I receive credit for my work. Bonuses are always welcome and appreciated. Thank you.

The above is given for information only. Although I am a licensed veterinarian, I cannot legally prescribe medicines or diagnose your pet's condition without performing a physical exam. If you have concerns about your pet I would highly advise contacting your regular veterinarian

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Expert: CriticalCareVet
Pos. Feedback: 99.3 %
Accepts: 3429
Answered: 10/2/2009

Critical Care Veterinarian

Emergency and Critical Care Specialist

170 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

thankyou - yes it helps as I don't think its 'food'- he is always treated with Advantage or Frontline but I thinks it's more liekly to be mites. Steroids do help ( we did it twice before) so will finish this course of antibiotics and see about a skin allergy test.

 

With thanks !!

Posted by CriticalCareVet 170 days and 17 hours ago.

Answer

You are very welcome!

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