Need help with our cat...

IIERIKII

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We have a 4 year old indoor cat that has been healthy until about 2 months ago when we noticed something strange on/around his outer ear and nose.I can only describe it as some kind of ?infection? that is spreading.I have never seen anything like this and neither had the 2nd vet who saw him. She said there was nothing she could do and referred us to a feline dermitologist for a likely food allergy. At first that made sense because just prior to this we fed them some wet food that was given to us for about a month.But now im doubting the food allergy. we are having a hard time getting any appointments right now and really need help, he is getting worse by the week. Ill list some info that might help and pic.

-4 yrs 3 mo
-15 lbs
-shots
-neutered
-no previous conditions
-100% indoor cat (3rd story with balcony)
-2 other indoor cats (no symptoms)

-week 2 went to 1st vet
-received 2 shots of antibiotic + topical (for what they thought was an ear infection)
-3 days after shots the infected area was showing improvement but only for a day
-continued 10 day topical as directed
-?infection? progressed
-week 4 went to 2nd vet who referred specialist
-urinating ok not sure about #2 (monitoring)
-we are getting him to drink water but not sure if he is eating
-?infection? spread slowly to entire ear and nose

I am going to post a photo of his ear from my phone in hopes anyone can help identify this and any help/advice is greatly appreciated!!
 
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IIERIKII

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We have a 4 year old indoor cat that has been healthy until about 2 months ago when we noticed something strange on/around his outer ear and nose.I can only describe it as some kind of ?infection? that is spreading.I have never seen anything like this and neither had the 2nd vet who saw him. She said there was nothing she could do and referred us to a feline dermitologist for a likely food allergy. At first that made sense because just prior to this we fed them some wet food that was given to us for about a month.But now im doubting the food allergy. we are having a hard time getting any appointments right now and really need help, he is getting worse by the week. Ill list some info that might help and pic.

-4 yrs 3 mo
-15 lbs
-shots
-neutered
-no previous conditions
-100% indoor cat (3rd story with balcony)
-2 other indoor cats (no symptoms)

-week 2 went to 1st vet
-received 2 shots of antibiotic + topical (for what they thought was an ear infection)
-3 days after shots the infected area was showing improvement but only for a day
-continued 10 day topical as directed
-?infection? progressed
-week 4 went to 2nd vet who referred specialist
-urinating ok not sure about #2 (monitoring)
-we are getting him to drink water but not sure if he is eating
-?infection? spread slowly to entire ear and nose

I am going to post a photo of his ear from my phone in hopes anyone can help identify this and any help/advice is greatly appreciated!!
 

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white shadow

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Hi IIERIKII and welcome to the forum !

First question.........why are you
"having a hard time getting any appointments right now" ?​
and, Part B of my question, with whom are you "having a hard time getting appointments" ?
.
 

fionasmom

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Tell them that this is an emergency. You have taken step one which was go to go your own vet, have followed protocol given, and really this is no better. The first vet, with good intentions, is guessing. Don't wait in line as if the cat only has some flea bite issue....tell them that he has to be seen.
 
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IIERIKII

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Hi IIERIKII and welcome to the forum !

First question.........why are you
"having a hard time getting any appointments right now" ?​
and, Part B of my question, with whom are you "having a hard time getting appointments" ?
.
Where having a hard time getting an appointment with the referred dermatologist. They told my wife they are not taking any appointments right now.
 
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IIERIKII

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I forgot to mention....At the second vet trip we got some dry food she recommended, and have been doing a food trial for almost 2 weeks.We have not seen any changes in his condition. (but,im not sure how much he is eating.)

I mainly came here to see if anyone could identify what this is. The vet told us to do the food trial and make an apt to the dermatologist.It might be weeks before they can see him and after 2 weeks of trial hes getting worse. Im not sure if we should make that appointment and wait for the dermatologist or... get him in asap to a non specialist for a second opinion? Im not sure it is a food allergy, but im not a vet so, I dont know what to do....
 

Pjg8r

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Did you send a picture to the dermatologist? I would also contact my original vet and tell them it is worse and send pictures. I’m so sorry you are having such trouble getting care for your cat.
 

FeebysOwner

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If he is not eating a lot, I would go to any vet just to have him looked at again. Depending on how much less he is eating than normal, it is just going to make matters worse for him.

Pics, as mentioned above, are a good idea. And, if you go to another vet, get a copy of his records so that you might be able to avoid some redundant costs.
 
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IIERIKII

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Does the 2nd vet have a second referral for you? If not, perhaps, they (or, even your 1st vet) would be willing to call the dermatologist and explain the dire need for your cat to be seen?
Good idea...will try that
 

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MissClouseau

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I forgot to mention....At the second vet trip we got some dry food she recommended, and have been doing a food trial for almost 2 weeks.We have not seen any changes in his condition. (but,im not sure how much he is eating.)
If you're not sure how much he eats, I take it as you are not there when they eat? Then couldn't he still eat the food of the other two cats? Even hypoallergenic foods can contain an irritant, depending on what the cat is intolerant to.

Are/were there any insects in the house that you know of? Any local flies that might cause trouble? e.g. In my neighborhood we have a different kind of mosquito than the usual kind of the city. The different kind causes allergic reaction in most that lasts for weeks if you continue to scratch. Most people in my city have no idea they even exist though. Could there be anything like that in your area you can think of?

Until you can see another vet, try to support his immune system as much as possible. Make sure he eats enough and good quality food. I would add probiotics too. If you can't be there when they eat, maybe you could get a cam for the room the food is in?
 

Sylvia Jones

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I would get this cat seen ASAP If you can’t get the normal vet to help speed up the appointment with his colleague take him to an emergency clinic I am assuming it looks much worse since your vet saw him so Definitely Send pictures There may be a clue here when you saw some minimal improvement while on antibiotics. In my non veterinary mind it makes it seems like an infection that needs a different antibiotic Blood work can help identify Left untreated the infection will continue to spread This could be very dangerous Will be thinking of you guys Please keep us posted
 
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