Scabs at base of claws

[diamond]

My cat has these scabs on her skin at the base of her claws - not all paws but mainly two front paws. The vet tried different antibiotics - Baytril seemed the best. She said it was a virus and the only way to completely clear it up is by declawing. Needless to say, I haven't given in to this yet. However, I probably spent as much on visits and meds. I cannot find anything on the net about this problem. Anyone know about this??

[Kris]

diamond -

Just a couple thoughts here.

What testing was done by your vet before prescribing Baytril (or determining it was a virus)? Has ringworm been ruled out?

Edit

In particular diamond, has testing for a fungal disease been done? Also, testing for immunological problems might be a good measure.

[mizmeowski]

Get a second opinion from a different vet. It may be pemphigus. On my cats toes it shows up as dark brown gunk on her claws. When I extend her claw, it shows scabby, flaky, weepy inflamed skin in the covering of her claws. Does that sound like what your cat has? If so, declawing won't do a thing for it.

Pemphigus is in the eosinophilic granuloma complex of syndromes. Prednisone orally has helped with flare-ups. Low allergen food and Feliway plug-ins have put her condition in remission.

[kate & kobi]

Yes, get a second opinion!!!!! Declawing for this sounds very hasty. My first thought was to ask whether ringworm had been ruled out, too; my cat had ringworm around her toes. There are other possibilities besides a bacterial infection.

[Traci]

Diamond, how did your vet conclude a viral...what tests were done to come to that conclusion?

I agree with the others, second opinion immediately, and rule out various fungal diseases too. (virals and fungals can be ruled out with feline serology, needs to be sent to outside lab, would be worth it to opt for this option)

[diamond]

The doctor tried Cefadroxil with no luck. Then they sent a sample out to a lab and results were that it is a virus. The Baytril really helped but we've already treated her two times. Of course, each time we bring her they take her to the back and scrap the scabs off. The scabs are small, dried brown, crusty stuff - no puss or anything like that. The vet showed me how it starts, at the very base of the claw the surface has dry flaky streaks which somehow turns into these crusty scabs. I tried removing these myself by I'd probably need a soft toothbrush or something and just don't have the nerve to try it. They have to be picked or roughly brushed off. I guess I'll have to go to another vet (already have one in mind). I think I'll call our vet first to find out the exact name of this virus first. Thanks everyone for your input - it really helps. Took me FOREVER to find this site! It's great!
Also - it's definitely not ringworms - we've experienced that in the past.