Update on Feline Dermatitis (No Improvement)

snsmith2000

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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.
 

sivyaleah

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Was blood testing done for allergies? Or a skin patch test (same as the type for humans).
I see blood testing was done but only for the usual testing.

My younger one saw a dermatologist/allergist. Her blood testing was done specifically to find out what she might be allergic to and once known, individualized allergy drops were created for that allergy profile. It's given sublingually though injections are also available. You can also have a cat patch tested where they inject small quantities of common/suspected allergens to see which react. Very similar to what a human allergist would do.

Her biggest problem was recurrent yeast infections in her ears, scratching (thankfully not to the point of ruining her coat or skin) and flaking skin. She's been on the allergy drops for about a year now (you have to build up the immunity little by little over time hence why it takes so long) and the difference is huge. She has not had an ear infection in months, the scratching is now within normal range of any cat needing to quell an itch, and the flaking has decreased substantially (she could use a good bath which I'll be doing once the weather warms up here).

Many regular vets aren't as well trained as a specialist, unfortunately. Finding one can be difficult in some areas though but asking your vet if this seems like the next step is advisable.
 

LTS3

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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.
Cats are able to do all those things with a cone on so don't worry :grouphug: If you have a covered litter box, remove the top so it's easier for the cat to get in.

Is it the plastic cone? A soft cone might allow a cat to eat and drink easier.


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).
Hills and other brands of prescription food are expensive junk that don't do anything.

A limited ingredient novel protein diet would be better than a sensitive skin formula. Some brands to try:

BLUE Basics® Limited Ingredient Cat Food | Blue Buffalo
Limited Ingredient Diet - Grain Free Cat | Merrick Pet Care
Shop all Cat
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet | Instinct Pet Food
Minimally Processed Natural Cat Food Archives | RAWZ
www.naturalbalanceinc.com
Fresh & Natural Cat Food - Hound & Gatos

Chicken is a common culprit of food sensitivity / intolerance in which skin issues are a symptom. So are grains and gums and starches. Try feeding a novel protein such as rabbit for at least 13 weeks or so. A home cooked or raw diet could also be tried but don't expect much support from your vet about those diets. There's a forum here on home cooked and raw diets if you want more info.


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.
That might be a possible cause. Environmental allergens can cause skin issues. Second and third hand smoke of any kind is known to cause health issues. Some cats might not be all out itchy and constantly scratch. They just pick at the fur and the skin gets irritated and then bacteria causes the irritated skin to turn into dermatitis.

Dusty cat litter, scented laundry detergent and household cleaners, etc can also cause skin issues in sensitive cats.
 

Stressedcatmom

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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.
i had my 8 yo with dermatitis during summer bc of dust and fleas (even tho they get treatment montly they still sneak in sometimes) would totally pull her hair out and leave wounds. Put her on a cone for almost 2 months, would eat normally and drink no problem. I gave her baths with neutral shampoo for cats and even one with atb and benzil peroxide. Im pretty sure your case is food allergy but it can also be anxiety ? ik a lot of cats are treated with fluoxetine for it.
in any case yes u can use a cone with her, i know a lot of cats find the ones that are inflatables more comfortable.
I hope u can find a solution with ur kitty soon
 
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snsmith2000

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i had my 8 yo with dermatitis during summer bc of dust and fleas (even tho they get treatment montly they still sneak in sometimes) would totally pull her hair out and leave wounds. Put her on a cone for almost 2 months, would eat normally and drink no problem. I gave her baths with neutral shampoo for cats and even one with atb and benzil peroxide. Im pretty sure your case is food allergy but it can also be anxiety ? ik a lot of cats are treated with fluoxetine for it.
in any case yes u can use a cone with her, i know a lot of cats find the ones that are inflatables more comfortable.
I hope u can find a solution with ur kitty soon
We moved to a new city last April and I'm wondering if it's environmental because she's never been exposed to year-round warm weather/tropical pollens. If it is a food allergy, someone else suggested switching to a Rabbit only diet. She's on a duck/lamb diet right now.

I will look into getting a soft or inflatable cone for her and test it out over the weekend to see how she does with it on. Thank you
 
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snsmith2000

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We moved to a new city last April and I'm wondering if it's environmental because she's never been exposed to year-round warm weather/tropical pollens. If it is a food allergy, someone else suggested switching to a Rabbit only diet. She's on a duck/lamb diet right now.

I will look into getting a soft or inflatable cone for her and test it out over the weekend to see how she does with it on. Thank you
The vet didn't offer or mention anything about an antihistamine or anit-anxiety treatment. She doesn't seem to be stressed at all, just itchy. And her daily routine hasn't changed much at all.
 
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snsmith2000

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Cats are able to do all those things with a cone on so don't worry :grouphug: If you have a covered litter box, remove the top so it's easier for the cat to get in.

Is it the plastic cone? A soft cone might allow a cat to eat and drink easier.




Hills and other brands of prescription food are expensive junk that don't do anything.

A limited ingredient novel protein diet would be better than a sensitive skin formula. Some brands to try:

BLUE Basics® Limited Ingredient Cat Food | Blue Buffalo
Limited Ingredient Diet - Grain Free Cat | Merrick Pet Care
Shop all Cat
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet | Instinct Pet Food
Minimally Processed Natural Cat Food Archives | RAWZ
www.naturalbalanceinc.com
Fresh & Natural Cat Food - Hound & Gatos

Chicken is a common culprit of food sensitivity / intolerance in which skin issues are a symptom. So are grains and gums and starches. Try feeding a novel protein such as rabbit for at least 13 weeks or so. A home cooked or raw diet could also be tried but don't expect much support from your vet about those diets. There's a forum here on home cooked and raw diets if you want more info.




That might be a possible cause. Environmental allergens can cause skin issues. Second and third hand smoke of any kind is known to cause health issues. Some cats might not be all out itchy and constantly scratch. They just pick at the fur and the skin gets irritated and then bacteria causes the irritated skin to turn into dermatitis.

Dusty cat litter, scented laundry detergent and household cleaners, etc can also cause skin issues in sensitive cats.
Thank you for the suggestion! I will look into the foods.

Unfortunately, the roommate thing can't really be avoided. He was a bad pick and we didn't really know much about him before moving in. We've already had to drastically ask him to change some of his habits because of how bad it's been and the weed is definitely nonnegotiable.

As for the cone, it was just a suggestion and I wasn't provided one so I've been looking into which one to get. We don't allow her near cleaners and don't use many fragrances around the apartment. Her litter is already 99% dust free too.
 

Stressedcatmom

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Thank you for the suggestion! I will look into the foods.

Unfortunately, the roommate thing can't really be avoided. He was a bad pick and we didn't really know much about him before moving in. We've already had to drastically ask him to change some of his habits because of how bad it's been and the weed is definitely nonnegotiable.

As for the cone, it was just a suggestion and I wasn't provided one so I've been looking into which one to get. We don't allow her near cleaners and don't use many fragrances around the apartment. Her litter is already 99% dust free too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725C5JGL/?tag=thecatsite

this ones are comfier for cats
 
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