Cat is excessively licking spots on her body

[Guest]

My cat is licking/biting/pulling out it's hair in several spots on her body--the bend in her arm, both her knees, on her hind legs, on her tummy. This has been going on, off and on, since September 2003. The vet treated her with steroid injection. She got better. October, six weeks later, problem flared up again; new vet, another steroid injection and some antibiotics. This helped, but not as quickly as the first one. Since then, my cat has been tested for ringworm, skin scraping, etc. Antibiotics, antihystamenes, steroids, have been used to treat her. She is also on a special diet food (duck and rice food, vet prescribed). The condition went away in late January and flared up again about a month ago. The vet has said she is totally clueless and has exhausted all her capabilities. She has referred us to a veterinary dermatologist. I love my cat, but, financially, I have ALREADY spent more than I can afford to. Going to the dermatologist will be another couple hundred out of my already drained pocket. I love my cat, but I have to pay my bills. This may sound crass, but I have struggled over this for a LONG time. Can ANYONE help me? The cat's non-scratched coat is BEAUTIFUL and soft, and she has no other existing health conditions, besides a very mild heart murmur. Can someone offer any advice? Please.

[davet]

has anyine mentioned the use of an E-collar...sometimes the original cause is eliminated but the habit plays in...i would suggest another steroid injection and thhen an E-collar, whether the cat likes it or not...it may just be a habit like sucking the thumb

[puddypaws100]

One of my cats has this condition and my vet who has been practicing for over 20 years has treated many many cats with very low-dose steroid injection. I take my Jack to the vet approximately every 3-4 months for the injection (depending on the amount of licking going on). I also brush him religiously every day. While I realize that steroid injections may not be the ideal solution, they do work. Jack has absolutely no bald spots anymore and he is a lot more comfortable. Sometimes one has to choose the lesser of 2 evils. By the way, my vet said that in all his years of practice none of his cats experienced any side effects as he keeps the dosage very very low. This keeps the problem under control. My vet is very good with cats and I trust him.

[same Guest]

Thanks for the feedback/suggestions.

The steroid shots started to NOT work, which is why the vet discontinued administering them, but thank you for the information and sharing of your experience.

I did go to the store and buy an E-Collar today; I just put it on Gabby, and she is of course, not the happiest of kitties...but hopefully, this will change the behavior.

Question about E-Collar: she can eat and drink with it on, so is there a time limit as to how long I should leave it on her?

Thanks again.