Cat Skin Problem We Can't Figure Out

by Tonya
(San Antonio, TX)

This is Godzilla, he is a 15 month old snowshoe Siamese. I adopted him from a shelter about 4 months ago. When he arrived he was fine, no signs of this skin condition. About 2 months ago I noticed his inner back thigh had a large flat cat skin sore. He was licking constantly so it grew.

Took him to a vet and the Dr. initially thought it was a chemical burn, so got a topical powder and that wonderful collar to keep him from licking.

One and a half weeks later we were back at the vet with three more spots, one on his shoulder, front inner leg, and on the back of his neck all the same as the first. Starting out small and growing with the licking/chewing.

He has had a fungal culture, blood work to check for liver damage, and skin scraped to check for parasites. All are negative.

He is now on prescription food for a possible allergy. So far there is no improvement and in the last 24 hours it is getting worst again. He goes back to the vet tomorrow. I am open for any suggestions to bring to the vet. I love him and would like to make sure he around for a long time!!

Cat Skin Condition - Cat Health Guide Editor Suggestion

Dear Tonya;

Thank you for your question regarding cat skin allergy and hard to diagnose cat skin conditions and diseases.

Feline skin is the most exposed part of the body, thus it may develop various conditions or cat skin problems which are sometimes very hard to diagnose.

As you have described, various tests for this cat skin problem appeared negative, but symptoms, pathogenesis (cat skin disease progression) and follow up of the disease suggests that it is related to the immune system of your pet. Though this diagnosis can only be confirmed with a detailed examination and laboratory diagnosis, it seems that it is most probably what is referred to as an eosinophilic granuloma complex. The reason for this conclusion are the cat skin symptoms you described and that are shown in the picture - the burn like spots in the inner thighs of the hind quarter, and the negative results when tested for common cat skin conditions and pruritus (feline skin itch).

It is recommended that you try some different tests, such as a swab examination, CBC and detailed biopsy. The level of feline eosinophills should be examined in detail.

In addition to these tests, allergy tests, which can be performed in vitro (measures the antibodies that mediate an allergic response) or intra dermal (small amount of the allergen solution is injected into the skin) may also be required, which you should discuss with your veterinarian. The underlying cause of these types of symptoms is mostly a hypersensitivity reaction, which indicates some kind of allergy. It can be a food allergy, atopy (genetic predisposition to an allergy), insect bites, environmental etc.

Specific treatment of the cat skin condition is based upon the diagnosis. The underlying cause should be treated in order to control the symptoms.

Treatment is accomplished with corticosteroids and immuno – suppressant agents. Additionally, it is recommended that mild antibiotic therapy should be done, in order to prevent any secondary bacterial and fungal infections. It is better to use a restricted diet, but if possible, go for a food trial, to identify the ingredient possibly causing any allergy. Discuss this option with your veterinarian as well.

You can also use natural remedies such as Allergy Itch Ease to reduce symptoms such as itching and scratching. Also a natural skin cleanser will help to clean the skin and reduce any chance of localized spreading of the cat skin lesions. A good product to try is Clenzor.

Please keep us up to date on how resolved this cat skin allergy condition.