Help! Cats chin!

[foolsgold]

Hi!

New poster and we are absoulutly at our witts end with out nearly 2 year old cats health.
Since he was about six months old, he has suffered with various skin related issues due to the poor condition we had him in. He had fleas (They are now gone, after months of trying) He had ear mites - They are also now gone. An immence build up of ear wax which we have just managed to get under control but the biggest problem has been his chin.

It start out as looking like dirt (Black specs that would come away when wiped - but became harder to remove over time) and thats when he started itching - Now he has done so much damage to himself scratching its approaching his neck.

We have visted the vets ALOT. Each time its been something new - At first they thought he was itching because of the ear mites, then feline acne (Steriods were given at this point and helped for about a week) then on the last visit they said it could be a food allergy so we changed his food to hypoallergenic. But nothing seems to be working and its horrible seeing him so itchy.

While cleaning it for him earlier today, we also noticed he has what can only be describe as two gashes of skin missing from either side of his lip (Just to the side of his fang teeth)

We will be going back to the vets after the weekend - but I was just wondering if anyone has ANY advice. We are clutching at straws at this point.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! Not to cause any insult, but just in case this is contributing to the problem you're providing clean food dishes and bowls, and water bowls and water fountains, daily?

Are you utilizing glass rather than plastic as much as possible?

 

[foolsgold]

Hi! Not to cause any insult, but just in case this is contributing to the problem you're providing clean food dishes and bowls, and water bowls and water fountains, daily?

Are you utilizing glass rather than plastic as much as possible?

Yes this was one of the very first things we tackled He has full ceramic water and food bowl and cleaned twice daily

 

[Furballsmom]

Oh, goodness, bless your heart!

How is the quality of your water? Are you using filtered water for him?

Do you use unscented and low or no chemical cleaners, unscented laundry detergent and dryer sheets etc?

 

[LTS3]

A veterinary dermatologist may be helpful. Your vet can consult with one through a vet school or other vet hospital if there are none in your area.

How long has your cat been on the food trial? It takes about 13 weeks or so to see if diet helps.

 

[white shadow]

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Hi foolsgold and welcome to the forum !

In my opinion, the only cure will come from a 'quality', i.e. competent, feline Veterinarian.This should have been properly diagnosed and treated ages ago!

I'd start by looking around (nearby) for a cat-only clinic (not advertised as "cat-friendly") and get a consult with the longest-practiced Vet there (often an owner). If you can't find one, the Association of Feline Practitioners offers a 'Find a Cat Vet' here: Cat Vets [under "Practice Type", chose "Feline Only" and do not check the gray "cat friendly" box at the bottom]

For starters, a course of low-dose steroid doesn't usually work with this - a Vet who's 'been around the block' with cats would have known this.

Yes......a Dermatologist should certainly be able to 'fix' this.........but, (1) a competent Vet would have done so at the outset.....and, (2) going the referral route still leaves me...........with a regular Vet of questionable quality.
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