Vet can’t identify skin disease without biopsy

[OtisBurr]

We are so desperate to know what this could be.

Right now we can only think the worst.

Our vet has been amazing, we took Otis off the street 6 months ago where he was emaciated and close to death. We have stabilized his FIV and treated so many illnesses coming from that. He’s even had all of his teeth removed.

We love him with all our hearts and we need to know what this is. We are booked in for a biopsy in 2 days at the best cat vet in our country (where he has been 30+ times and where we have spent 10’s of thousands of $’s).

please if anyone knows what this is or could be let me know.

thank you in advance all you kind and compassionate people who are enlightened by these beautiful beings.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi and welcome to TCS. I have no idea what that could be. Having tissue analyzed is probably a good idea. But, when you say 'biopsy' does that mean skin scrapings, which is a much less invasive procedure and likely would only require sedation vs. probable anesthesia for an actual biopsy?

Many folks give their cats an immune booster supplement to help ward off flare ups from various viral conditions. Not saying that this skin issue is a flare up, but something like a daily dose of DMG might help support his immune system overall.
Vetri DMG™ Liquid for Dogs and Cats - VetriScience

 

[OtisBurr]

Hi and welcome to TCS. I have no idea what that could be. Having tissue analyzed is probably a good idea. But, when you say 'biopsy' does that mean skin scrapings, which is a much less invasive procedure and likely would only require sedation vs. probable anesthesia for an actual biopsy?

Many folks give their cats an immune booster supplement to help ward off flare ups from various viral conditions. Not saying that this skin issue is a flare up, but something like a daily dose of DMG might help support his immune system overall.
Vetri DMG™ Liquid for Dogs and Cats - VetriScience

Hi

Thank you for your insight!

It will be a proper ‘hole punch’ biopsy under general anesthesia. Otis is coming to the end of a 101 day interferon course, then we are starting to wean him off the steroids he’s been taking for his gum inflammation and we give him psyllium husk, complivit and flumax daily. We know he is a sick boy but he has come such a long way and is such a fighter that we will do anything to help him.

Thanks for this recommendation, I’ll compare the ingredients to what he already has daily and definitely give it a try!

 

[fionasmom]

Thank you for doing so much for Otis. I also do not have much of an idea as to what is on his skin but I wondered if they cause him discomfort and if they are flat or raised? Are these over his entire body?

Having a biopsy should really be the gold standard for determining what this is. Has your vet made any suggestion as to possibilities?

Please let us know how Otis does on Monday and what you find out.

 

[neely]

Another warm welcome to TCS! Before giving Otis any additional supplement(s) I would check with your vet whom you trust. The reason I say this is because our dog had a serious skin condition and the biopsy revealed a specific autoimmune illness. In his case the immune system had to be suppressed as opposed to supplemented in order to control his health issue. Obviously each animal is different but you may want to hold off until talking with your vet and Otis has a biopsy. Your dedication to Otis is commendable. Best of luck and please keep us posted on his progress.