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Poorly cat - possible skin probs

12 replies

nonameisg00denough · 02/09/2015 08:59

Our very aged very loved cat has been very healthy all through her long life (is 18). In the last month she has been diagnosed with thyroid issues for which she has a daily tablet (unless she hides it down the back of the sofa). Last week we noticed raw patches behind both her ears - almost looks as if she had been scratching and had pulled all the fur out.

She is mostly an indoor cat and has never had fleas, but now she can no longer jump over walls etc, we let her out and she loves lying in the sun in our courtyard garden. I checked for fleas but found no evidence.

The vet checked - no sign of fleas/mites etc. She gave the cat an antibiotic injection and some Isaderm cream for sore patches (DCat very cross as Isaderm tube states 'for dogs' - the shame.....). We have also noticed in the last couple of days a couple of similar patches of sore skin on tarsus (back 'knees').

Any ideas - could it just be eczema like problem, or dermatitis? We've not seen her biting or scratching herself to excess.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 02/09/2015 09:55

I know you said that you couldn't actually see any evidence of fleas or mites - but have you actually flead and wormed her recently?

nonameisg00denough · 02/09/2015 13:17

Yes, she had a dose of Frontline last week.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 02/09/2015 15:06

I'm afraid that Frontline has lost its effectiveness - presumably the fleas have become immune to it - in many parts of the UK so I think that on general principle, I'd be switching to something like Advocate Spot On. (I think that that's prescription only but you could either get it from the vet or obtain a vet prescription and buy it online. (You'll have to do the sums on the cost of a vet prescription etc etc.))

The thing I don't know is how long you should leave it before giving her some as she only had Frontline last week. (Avoiding chemical overload on her body and so on.) Perhaps another poster or one of the vets who post could comment on that one.

Have you noticed any 'interlopers' in the garden when she isn't there - in the evening or similar?

Lonecatwithkitten · 02/09/2015 21:37

If she is thyroid medication there is a very high chance this is a drug reaction. The thyroid drugs belong to the imazole group and one of the side effects is itching in particular of the face. The itching which cats are very good at hiding result in large raw patches. This is a well documented side effect listed in all the data sheets. I see about 1 cat per year with it.
You need to go back and chat to your vet about other options such as radioactive iodine or surgery.

cozietoesie · 02/09/2015 22:24

Ah - that's useful, Lone, so thanks for that. Shouldn't the OP's own vet have been aware of that, though, if it's a well documented side effect of thyroid medication?

Lonecatwithkitten · 02/09/2015 22:37

Should be yes, but if they are not seeing that many hyperthyroid cats that may not have experienced it. I see a lot of hyperthyroid cats hence the number of drug reactions I see.

Lonecatwithkitten · 02/09/2015 22:37

Oh and I have been around a long time compared to the average UK small animal vet so have just seen a lot more.

cozietoesie · 02/09/2015 22:47

You're very considerate, Lone. Personally, I'd have thought that a vet might do just that little bit more research if they didn't know a condition so well. (But I'm probably just used to the practices my boys have attended. Hey Ho.)

Would it be appropriate for the OP to discuss ceasing the meds with her vet? (Just in case it is a side effect bad reaction.)

Lonecatwithkitten · 02/09/2015 22:56

You need an alternative plan to control the hyperthyroidism before ceasing the meds as having uncontrolled hyperthyroidism has some quite serious risks associated with it.

cozietoesie · 02/09/2015 22:58

Solid discussion with the vet then?

Lonecatwithkitten · 02/09/2015 23:14

Yes, this an easily found web reference discussing facial itching.

nonameisg00denough · 03/09/2015 10:52

Thanks all - she's due back for a check up tomorrow, so will ask about side effects. We have definitely only noticed the raw patches since she's been on the thyroid meds - she's been on these about 5-6 weeks and we noticed the raw patches about 10 days ago. Would this reaction explain the raw patches on the back of her legs too?

I said Frontline - the vets actually dosed her last week so I'm not sure if it was Frontline per se - will check tomorrow and ask about re-dosing her.

Other than the patches she seems find - cheerful, hungry and very active for an 18 year old!

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