- Joined
- Jan 12, 2022
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Hi all! I had posted in here about a month ago because my 2yr old female Tortie, Liza, is having a bad bought of dermatitis on her lower back/tail base (with fur loss also on her front left leg). The dermatitis started in mid-December and has since escalated (and kind of waxed/waned from good to bad and back again). In my initial post, I had yet to schedule a vet appointment for her (I was denied by two or three different vets because of her prior behavior listed in her medical files).
About two weeks after my post, I found a mobile vet to come and visit her and it cost a whooping $700 when I was initially quoted for $175. I agreed to pay upfront even though I had already spent about ~$200 on trying to treat the dermatitis at home. They did some tests and have told me the results (but haven't sent me digital copies).
She tested negative for: fleas, parasites, ringworm, fungal infection, and any detectable mites
Her blood test came back normal, aside from her having a high white blood cell count because of the scabs being infected.
The vet prescribed her: GenOne Spray (for dogs, it's seemingly done nothing for her), Flea Treatment, a 14 day active Antibiotic Shot, Laxatone for her hairballs (she was having about 3 a month since the Dermatitis started, none since using the Laxatone), and 10 days of Gabapentin capsules (which we've since ran out of and her spots have gotten worse).
I've also tried using: hydrocortisone spray, colloidal silver, Homeopet Skin & Itch, Vetflix Allergy & Immune Support Supplement, Calming Hemp Oil (at the suggestion of the vet, but it gave her Diarrhea so I've stopped using it), Hypoallergenic Shampoo, Coconut Oil, Liquid Collagen, & Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (kibble & wet food)
The vet suggested possibly coning her, but we aren't home during the day, and I don't want her to not be able to eat, drink, use the litter box, etc. while we are gone. The vet also said if the condition didn't improve, the next step would be a food trial (which we're already doing. She's only been on the ProPlan for about 6-7 weeks, so it's too early to change it to something else and ProPlan is competitively the same price as Hill's, so I trust that it's good stuff). Vet doesn't use steroids unless absolutely necessary and also didn't offer an antihistamine.
My question is what could be causing it? We've treated any dark space with bleach in case of mold and also have used an air purifier & cleaned really well in case of dust. My roommate burns incense in his room with the door closed and smokes weed outside, but I don't see how those could cause dermatitis. She isn't over-grooming, she's like picking. She'll get an itch and then dig at it.
I'm also curious, if the spot gets infected again (or already is) and the infection lasts, can it kill her? She seems perfectly fine aside from the itching but I know infections can kill cats almost immediately once they enter their bloodstream.
I wouldn't be able to cope if she passed and I feel absolutely terrible that she's uncomfortable, but I've also spent close to $1000 and I can't afford to keep spending money on this ( I really don't know what else to do.
About two weeks after my post, I found a mobile vet to come and visit her and it cost a whooping $700 when I was initially quoted for $175. I agreed to pay upfront even though I had already spent about ~$200 on trying to treat the dermatitis at home. They did some tests and have told me the results (but haven't sent me digital copies).
She tested negative for: fleas, parasites, ringworm, fungal infection, and any detectable mites
Her blood test came back normal, aside from her having a high white blood cell count because of the scabs being infected.
The vet prescribed her: GenOne Spray (for dogs, it's seemingly done nothing for her), Flea Treatment, a 14 day active Antibiotic Shot, Laxatone for her hairballs (she was having about 3 a month since the Dermatitis started, none since using the Laxatone), and 10 days of Gabapentin capsules (which we've since ran out of and her spots have gotten worse).
I've also tried using: hydrocortisone spray, colloidal silver, Homeopet Skin & Itch, Vetflix Allergy & Immune Support Supplement, Calming Hemp Oil (at the suggestion of the vet, but it gave her Diarrhea so I've stopped using it), Hypoallergenic Shampoo, Coconut Oil, Liquid Collagen, & Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (kibble & wet food)
The vet suggested possibly coning her, but we aren't home during the day, and I don't want her to not be able to eat, drink, use the litter box, etc. while we are gone. The vet also said if the condition didn't improve, the next step would be a food trial (which we're already doing. She's only been on the ProPlan for about 6-7 weeks, so it's too early to change it to something else and ProPlan is competitively the same price as Hill's, so I trust that it's good stuff). Vet doesn't use steroids unless absolutely necessary and also didn't offer an antihistamine.
My question is what could be causing it? We've treated any dark space with bleach in case of mold and also have used an air purifier & cleaned really well in case of dust. My roommate burns incense in his room with the door closed and smokes weed outside, but I don't see how those could cause dermatitis. She isn't over-grooming, she's like picking. She'll get an itch and then dig at it.
I'm also curious, if the spot gets infected again (or already is) and the infection lasts, can it kill her? She seems perfectly fine aside from the itching but I know infections can kill cats almost immediately once they enter their bloodstream.
I wouldn't be able to cope if she passed and I feel absolutely terrible that she's uncomfortable, but I've also spent close to $1000 and I can't afford to keep spending money on this ( I really don't know what else to do.