Cat Skin Condition

[sgroves8]

Has anybody seen or heard of anything like this?

This summer over the heatwave period my male 6 year old cat Morrissey had an outbreak of dry, flat lumps all over his stomach, some on his legs and a very sore one on the base of his tail. The lumps are circular, rough to the touch, hairless and he is always licking them. They spread within a month and after having a fight with my other cat (Mabel) causing blood and ripping her ear we took him straight to the vets.

We have had blood tests, urine test and a biopsy but nothing has showed up to explain the lumps so we were given cream and itch relief but nothing seems to make a difference. I am thinking of getting a second opinion as the lumps seem to be spreading onto his armpits and the two cats now have to be separated everyday when my husband and I are not in the house because we are worried they will have another fight.

I have considered it being down to anxiety and stress since we have some work done in the garden during the day. He is a house cat but is very interested in going outside. Do you think this would help?

I would be very grateful for any input.

Thanks,
S

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. What all the did vet look for when they did the biopsy? If they didn't find anything specific, such as a fungal or bacterial issue - it might be a food or environmental allergy. If a food change was done close to the time of the initial break out, that could explain it. There could be something in the food that Morrissey is allergic to. And, even if there wasn't any food change, it doesn't mean that he didn't become allergic to some ingredient despite him having had this food for a long time. Environmental allergies can be just about anything - new carpeting/flooring, furniture, soaps/detergents, perfumes/colognes, bedding/blankets, even toys, also changes in soil/mulch/grass/yard treatments - and so on.

If you can't identify any food changes or environmental changes that occurred right before his skin condition started, then you probably need to consider doing a few things - 1.) ask your current vet about testing for some of the most common allergens (food and environmental) and see if that identifies anything, 2.) ask your vet about a referral to another vet that specializes in dermatology, and/or 3.) get a second opinion from a vet in a different practice (eliminates bias coming from one vet office). You can get copies of all Morrissey's records/tests from your current vet to share with a new one, thereby reducing redundant testing/costs.

You might also want to ask about a steroid shot, just to give him some relief while other possible causes are being looked at.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

In the meantime, go to the store and buy a box of plain, unblended chamomile tea. Brew a cup, chill it in the fridge, and swab it on those spots! It's wonderfully soothing for all skin "ouchies," and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, so will help keep secondary infections down. Also, you can administer 1-3 teaspoonfuls (1-3 Tablespoonfuls for cats 11 pounds and over) up to three times a day via syringe or medicine dropper to relieve stress. I recommend the commercially prepared tea because they are ALL made from German chamomile, which is active medicinally, and safe for cats. The English variety is pretty useless and TOXIC to cats. The two look very similar, and why take chances when the pure German stuff is so easy to come by!

Now, if you are going to use this internally and externally, I recommend brewing two separate cups, one for each, just to keep things cleaner. It will keep in the fridge for about 3 days.

 

[neely]

Welcome to TCS! I'm glad you joined the site and came here for advice about your male cat, Morrissey. His spots could be related to an autoimmune illness which would be best diagnosed by a veterinary dermatology specialist. I would recommend this type of consult. Best of luck, please keep us updated on his condition. Sending healing vibes to your boy.