Claw Inflammation Build Up

[gartai]

Hello!

I hope I am posting in the right area and hopefully I can get some insight in what is going on with my cat's claw(s). There is a build up of pus and looks to be a waxy build up of skin. I have been to several vets first who told me its dirt and the latter who told me its an inflammation. One of the vets prescribed Cefpodoxime Proxet tablets but it seems to just make her vomit so I stopped. To me it seems to be an autoimmune response to something. She hasn't broken her claws and they aren't dirty. This has been going on for several months and I soak them every week but nothing has changed. The inflammation has moved to one of her back claws now. She isn't in any distress and is as active as always. The only distress is when we soak the claws- she isn't a big fan of that. I should add the smell is that of shellfish that has gone a bit rotten. Should I rebook an appointment and demand a scraping and culture? Any input would be wonderful! I have attached pictures and blood work which didn't seem abnormal to me. Thank you! P.s. I should add she is a dsh tortie and is 5 years old.

 

[She's a witch]

did any vet check it at least under the microscope? I would actually suspect this is some kind of the fungus or yeast

 

[Yoruichi]

get a second opinion... or try to talk with an animal dermatology vet... ( apparently they exist :O i didn't know till now )

 

[tangers40]

I suspect something fungal as well with the smell you are describing. Did any of your vets suggest this as a possibility?

 

[gartai]

Thank you for your replies! I guess really just need to push for information when I'm there and be my own advocate. I'll look into the dermo vet and try and push for a microscope or sample test. Very much appreciated !

 

[cheeser]

Just based on our own purrsonal experiences, the black gunk looks a lot like the fungal infections our immuno-compromised cat gets, which sometimes leads to secondary bacterial infections with inflammation and pus.

In his case, the fungal infections are related to a food and flea allergy. We still haven't completely gotten everything all sorted out, but we did notice significant improvement right away once we eliminated chicken from Buddy's diet, got him started on Revolution for flea control, as well as a probiotic that the vet prescribed.

Hope you can find a vet soon who can get your fur baby all better!