Cat Skin Care Why would my cat have extremley dry skin to the point where she licks herself till she bleeds All the Vets do is give her a cortizone shot which only works for a short time.PLEASE HELP?

Answer 1

It isn't uncommon for cats to have skin conditions and some worse than others. When vets give cortisone to a cat it's as much as saying "we don't know what it is so we'll at least alleviate the irritation for the cat." Cortisone is not good to take on a steady basis and it's similar to a human having to take it. It is merely a band-aid for your cat and not getting to the root of the problem. Here are some insights into cat skin disorders that I've researched off vet websites: PYODERMA: I is when the cat has a painful skin condition and you see pus and other signs of infection on or beneath the skin. Fleas: Cats can be allergic to fleas! The cat will scratch in such a frenzy that it can cause skin problems and hair loss. * ** FOOD Allergies: Severe itching over the head, neck and back. Swelling eyelids (not always). Often complicated by hair loss and oozing sores fro constant scratching and biting. Cat can also get Yeast problems! Eczema: May often be a symptom of a disorder, rather than a disease in itself. It has long been a controversial skin condition, affecting both humans and animals and has various causes among them ... faulty diet, allergy, hormone imbalance, external parasites, kidney ailments and vitamin deficiencies. The symptoms of Eczema including itching, pustules, bloody discharge, scabs and dandruff. These are also symptoms of other skin conditions and it is very easy to confuse Eczema with mange and ringworm. The treatment depends upon the cause, which may take some time to discover. WHAT DO I DO AFTER SEEING SO MANY VETS: Traditional veterinary medicine does not offer a good solution to this problem. And dogs and other animals suffer the same kinds of skin diseases. While cortisone, prednisone and other steroids, or even antihistamines, can offer some temporary relief, the disease remains active and will continue to plague your pet until you eliminate the cause of the itching. There are commercial products available that are very successful in eliminating skin disease, from dandruff to to itchy scabs to full blown mange. If there's a bacterium or other parasite involved, use a product like DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion to treat this. We have seen immediate results with this product, available in pet stores or on-line. Meanwhile vacuum every single day. Be careful what sprays you may use to freshen up your house (these are not only not good for pets, but not good for children or pets. Air out your house often and if you are in an apartment then air out the apartment (put a screen up on the window if possible so your cat can't get out. My husband and I have a small patio on the side of our house and we stapled chicken wire around it (looks fantastic) and the cat can go out there and lounge around. It's well shaded with only some sun filtering through the Wisteria leaves. It's good for the air to get at the skin of the cat. Cats can also have allergies just like humans. Be sure all bedding is clean and is washed in baby detergent. NO SOFTENERS SHOULD BE USED! Please let us know how your pet is doing. I know how difficult it is for a pet owner to see their pet suffer with no resolution in sight. Do find a homeopathic or naturopathic veterinarian, and do not allow them to give your pet any steroids!