skin problem

lmd · Post by **lmd** » Sat May 03, 2003 11:19 pm

I have a 10 year old spayed female cat. She is always indoors. This last week she has developed scabs up to 3 mm in diameter. I combed them all out on Thursday, and she is covered again. The other two cats have no problem. They must be itchy, because she reacts to me scratching them. I checked a few clumps under the microscope and saw only red skin patches along with the hairs of course.
An suggestions as to the cause would be appreciated. Also, it there anything safe that I could put on to ease the skin? She can`t groom herself very well being overweight and old etc.

Post by **Traci** » Sat May 03, 2003 11:33 pm

Never comb over or try to remove a scab without knowing the cause. In the case of a senior kitty, you need to get her to your vet for an exam. He can probably tell just from exam and experience, but if not, he will offer you a skin scrape and/or culture to rule out parasites, inflammatory conditions vs stress or allergens etc.

It's never too late to start getting a handle on kitty's weight. A good vet will tell you this and help you start a weight management plan that is suited to her particular needs. Never start a weight management plan without full blood profiling to rule out other potential health problems, your vet can tell you more. If you haven't had her examined or had complete bloodwork done for her, NOW is the time to do so. Bloodwork can help detect diseases that senior kitties may be predisposed to. Also, get her thyroid function tested.

lmd · Post by **lmd** » Sat May 03, 2003 11:41 pm

Thanks. I`ve been planning a thyroid test. I just need a few days to get an appointment, and wanted to help her in the interim. She quit grooming when i moved her indoors eight years ago. Sjer has pretty long jair too. I just never heard of this type of problem.

Post by **Traci** » Sat May 03, 2003 11:47 pm

Well I certainly don't want to alarm you, but the reason behind not combing or irritating a scab further, is the potential of a carcinoma. There are so many types of neoplasia that they can appear as mild as a scab or as obvious as an open lesion. In a senior kitty, I wouldn't take that risk.

While it's entirely possible it is either stress related or a mild skin condition, your best bet is getting it checked by your vet. Hopefully, it's nothing to worry about, but you'll have peace of mind.

In the immediate sense, you can try putting vitamin E oil on it (just break open a capsule and use a small drop, rub in gently).

Try to get an appointment for her ASAP...