Various spinal diseases in cats: diagnosis and treatment

Sores that appear under the cat’s fur are a reason to contact a veterinary clinic. The presence of skin diseases is also indicated by a general unkempt appearance, unkempt fur, ulcers and crusts on the skin.

The appearance of crusts and sores on a cat’s skin is a cause for concern for the owner. This is a clear sign of a violation of the integrity of the integument, accompanied by itching and restlessness of the animal.

Quite often, scratching leads to contamination with bacterial microflora, which ultimately leads to the appearance of pustules on the skin. The use of universal means for external use does not always make it possible to cope with pathological changes.

The best solution is to see a doctor. After carrying out diagnostic measures, the veterinarian will be able to determine the exact cause of the appearance of wounds or ulcers on the animal’s skin and select the most adequate treatment.

Sores under a cat's fur: Symptoms

It can be difficult to notice any changes in the skin under a cat's fur, especially if it is thick and long. Groom your pet regularly - comb it. Then it will be easier to detect the problem at an early stage.

The owner may notice itching. Also, at the site of damage, the fur may fall off in shreds along with the crust. The skin may be red and have an unpleasant odor.

Seborrhea (dandruff) often occurs. You need to pay attention to all these signs and contact a veterinary dermatologist for diagnosis.

Watch the video: Fleas in cats - How to get rid of them, what medications to buy

The cat has sores under its fur: Causes

More often, sores appear on the skin due to itching. The cat scratches itself until wounds form that become crusty.

The causes of sores can be different:

Infestation with parasites . For example, fleas or scabies mites. The most common scabies mites are cheyletella, notoedros and demodex. If demodicosis is detected in a cat, then this is a reason to conduct additional research - to exclude immunosuppressive conditions caused by oncology, endocrinopathies
Autoimmune diseases . In this situation, the lesions are often symmetrical.
Endocrine pathologies . Uncommon, but they cause itching and secondary infection.
Paraneoplastic syndrome . Lesions of the pancreas and liver. An extremely rare pathology. Do not mistakenly consider any disease of the hepatobiliary system to be the cause of itching and damage to the skin.
Pyoderma . This is an infectious inflammation of the skin. It can be both a primary and secondary cause of lesions. Most often, overgrowth of Malassezia fungi and coccal microflora is recorded. It is worth noting that bacteria and yeast-like fungi are a normal phenomenon on the surface of the skin, it is important to understand the quantity, for this a cytological examination of the skin is performed, we will talk about it later.
Ringworm . It can also cause baldness. It most often affects young, old and immunocompromised cats.
Injuries . For example, caused by other cats. Their claws and teeth leave pinpoint wounds that become crusty, and underneath there is active purulent inflammation. The cat may feel unwell, lethargic, or hot due to the increase in temperature.
Local reaction to drugs . Wounds often appear at the base of the neck or on the withers after applying drops against parasites or during subcutaneous administration of drugs. Unfortunately, this is impossible to predict.
Food allergy . Intolerance to food components.
Reaction to environmental allergens.

Parasitic diseases

Parasitic skin diseases in cats affect the skin and ears. All of them are harmless to humans, but are contagious to other cats.

Ear mites (otodectosis)

The tick is a common parasite of all small carnivorous mammals, including cats, dogs and more exotic pets - ferrets. The parasite lives in the external auditory canal and feeds on the epithelium and blood of the animal. Animals become infected from each other directly or through household items, most often this happens in the summer. In winter, tick activity decreases.

The causative agents of otodectosis cause severe itching, which is why the cat constantly scratches its ears, shakes its head, and tilts it to the affected side. Brown discharge, sometimes with blood, accumulates inside the ear, giving the ear an untidy appearance.

Scratching with claws and tick bites are entry points for bacterial infection. Its presence is indicated by pus and an unpleasant odor from the ear.

Treatment for ear scabies is ear mite drops and daily ear cleaning. If there are several animals in the house, then therapeutic measures must be taken for all. There is no need for a special protective regime for people.

Demodicosis

Demodectic mange is caused by subcutaneous mites, one of the most common cat parasites. Fluffy ones become infected from each other, through household items. The mite lives inside the epidermis and burrows through it. The animal suffers from itching, the hair in the affected area falls out, the pigmentation of the epidermis is disturbed, and dark stripes are noticeable - burrows.

The causative agent of demodicosis in cats is a relative of the causative agent of scabies in humans. However, there is no exchange of parasites and the feline subcutaneous mite is not dangerous to humans.

Treating a cat for subcutaneous mites takes a long time. The pet's fur must be completely cleaned of dandruff and lymph, and the affected areas must be treated daily with anti-demodectic agents. It is important to prevent the cat from licking the treated areas. If the pet's condition is severe, medications are administered by injection.

A cat has lump-shaped sores under its fur: Diagnosis

There is no single test that can be used to immediately make an accurate diagnosis. In some situations, it is even necessary to prescribe empirical treatment.

But first, a cat with sores on its fur will need to undergo tests:

Exclusion of dermatophytes (lichen) using a Wood's lamp . Instant results, but not all types of mushrooms glow characteristically. Some types of local solutions and ointments can also distort the picture. Do not treat your cat with anything before seeing a doctor.
A test for detecting flea feces, it is also sometimes called wet or wet. You can do it yourself at home. The cat must be actively scratched with your hand or a brush over a sheet of white, damp paper. If you find black dots, you should try to smear them. If reddish-brown stains are detected, a diagnosis of aphanipterosis-flea infestation can be made.
Microscopic examination of deep and superficial layers of skin. To collect the material, the veterinarian will slightly scrape the skin using a blunt scalpel and transfer the particles to a glass slide. The procedure is unpleasant for the cat, but not too painful.
Cytological examination. If the skin is dry and without damage, but only with a hairless area, then it will not be performed. When there is a scab (crust), it is lifted and a smear-imprint is made. The tape test is also used for dry damage. Next, the material is stained and the cellular composition is assessed.
In some cases, additional research methods will be required: ultrasound, blood, feces, urine, skin histology, intradermal allergy tests, exclusion diet.

Click on the picture to enlarge

Malignant and benign tumors

Any tumor is the growth of cells beyond their normal location. New growths are clearly visible on the skin - they rise above the surface, hair falls out on them, and there may be other symptoms.

It is impossible to distinguish a benign tumor from a malignant one by description; this requires a cytological analysis.

Possible signs of a benign tumor:

Preserves the appearance, color, temperature of healthy skin.
It feels a little denser than healthy skin and is painless.
Does not grow or grows slowly.
Has little effect on the behavior and condition of the cat.

A benign tumor can be quite large and interfere with the animal - clinging to objects, disturbing balance, etc.

Possible signs of a malignant tumor:

Differs from the surrounding skin in color, density, irregular edges, no clear boundaries.
Hot and painful.
Ulcerations, inflammation, bleeding, active hair loss.
Fast growth.
The cat shows anxiety - licks, scratches the affected area, loses appetite, sleep, and loses weight.

You should contact your veterinarian in any case if you suspect a tumor.

Tumors are not transmitted to humans, so the owner of a sick cat can not fear anything and care for his pet without additional protective measures.

The cat has sores under its fur: Is the danger high?

The greatest danger comes from traumatic skin injuries. With the development of diffuse inflammation (phlegmon) or a more local abscess, sepsis can develop, which can lead to the death of the cat.

But in most cases, everything is not so scary, all dermatological diseases can be treated, although the time frame may be different. In the case of autoimmune diseases, lifelong medication is required.

Also, some causes of skin damage in cats can be contagious to other animals and people.

Blackness in a cat's ears: What is it and how to treat it? – https://strazhchistoty.ru/cleanup/cleancats/chernota-u-koshki-v-ushah.html

Sores under the fur of a cat's neck. What is contagious to people and other animals

Lichen (dermatophytosis) . The most common disease, which, fortunately, can be quickly treated. Although previously, animals with this diagnosis were euthanized. It’s good that science has now made great strides forward.
Parasitic diseases . Many types of fleas do not live on the animal, but in the environment, and they do not care whose blood they feed on. Cats, other animals and people can be harmed. Owners often notice small red itchy dots on their legs. Other types of ectoparasites are not dangerous to humans, but can cause problems in other four-legged animals.

Watch the video: How to treat lichen in cats - Detailed instructions from a veterinarian

Itching caused by helminths

Helminths in cats Helminths not only have a pathological effect on the cat’s digestion. Worms cause loss of essential nutrients by absorbing micronutrients from the intestines. As a result of lack of nutrition, the pet's skin becomes dry, dandruff appears, and the cat licks itself much more often and more intensely, trying to get rid of the itching.

Intoxication of the animal's body with waste products and toxins produced by worms provokes an allergic reaction, skin rashes, and itching. Even a tiny kitten can suffer from helminthiasis after acquiring parasites from an adult cat. Therefore, if the kitten is itching, it is necessary to check its feces for the presence of worm eggs. The area around the anus may also itch when helminths crawl out to lay eggs. The cat then behaves characteristically - it “rides” on the carpets with its butt, relieving the itching.

Some species are transmitted through flea bites to humans. The presence of worms in kittens leads to delayed growth and development, and in pregnant cats, worm infestation can cause miscarriage. In the presence of individual individuals in the body, the disease can be asymptomatic. Fleas also transmit helminthiasis to other pets, so all inhabitants of the house need to be treated.

Medicines for helminths

If the itching is caused by worms, then it is necessary to deworm the animal. For this purpose, as prescribed by the veterinarian, the animal is given Prasitel, Pyrantel, Trontsil K, Kanikvantel, Profender, Polyvercan (sugar cubes), Panacur, Febtal, Dirofen, Milbemax, Drontal. But first you should undergo an examination and determine the type of parasite, since broad-spectrum drugs are much more toxic than those that act selectively.

Sores on the neck of a cat under the fur: Treatment at home

What can a cat owner do on his own?

Trim your cat's claws to reduce the risk of injury.
Also, depending on the location of the problem, in case of severe itching, you can put a bib or blanket on the cat, which can be easily made from a cotton sleeve.
It won't hurt to treat with flea drops.
The crusts can be soaked and removed using 0.05% chlorhexedine.
It is better not to use other medications before seeing a doctor, as this will blur the picture and interfere with diagnosis.

Do cats need to be washed and if so, how? Tips for bathing tailed cats - https://strazhchistoty.ru/cleanup/cleancats/nado-li-myt-koshek.html

General treatment tips

You cannot select medications and dosages on your own. The choice should be made by a veterinarian, taking into account the diagnosis and individual characteristics of the cat. Before contacting a veterinarian, Miramistin is allowed to be used. This broad-spectrum drug rarely causes unwanted reactions or complications.

Be sure to complete the course of treatment to the end. If you stop using medications at the first improvement, the disease may recur and become chronic. It will be necessary to take more aggressive medications to cure the cat, both to alleviate the symptoms and to eliminate the cause of the disease.

You cannot refuse treatment. Since the sores cause severe discomfort to the cat, she can scratch them, violating the integrity of the skin. This increases the risk of infection entering the wounds. Purulent complications are possible.

During treatment, medications should not be given without the permission of the veterinarian. Before giving your cat any drug, including dewormers, you need to check its compatibility with the medications used for treatment.

A sick animal should also not be vaccinated: due to a weakened immune system, the reaction can be unpredictable and complications are possible.

Any stress during treatment should be avoided. It may be necessary to isolate the cat from other pets and children.

Sores under a cat's fur: Therapy

The approach to treating any dermatological problem must be comprehensive. A magic pill “for everything” has not yet been invented.

Therefore, the most common means are:

Drops for treatment against blood-sucking parasites . Unlike sprays, shampoos and collars, this is the most convenient and effective form of applying the drug. There are convenient spot-on products on the market that work not only against surface pests, but also against parasites living inside. Such drugs include Broadline, Inspector, Helmintal.
Local remedies . In the form of emulsions, gels, sprays, foams, antiseptic solutions, and so on, they are used mainly for local lesions. For example, Chlorexiderm, available in different forms, Cortavance, Stop-itch spray, Liverazol. All of these drugs have anti-inflammatory effects, some have antifungal and antimicrobial activity.
Antibiotics . For oral administration. More often in dermatology, high doses of cephalosporins or penicillins are used. The course is also quite long, from three weeks.
Shampoos, tablets, injections, suspensions . For example, Dexamethasone . These drugs are not recommended for use without medical supervision.
Vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements . Help restore skin and improve hair growth. For example, Essential drops on the withers or Excel Brevers tablets.
Diet . They use diets with an enhanced formula aimed at restoring the skin. Or for the diagnosis and treatment of food allergies. There is a so-called elimination diet. Its essence is that for 4 weeks a new monoprotein food or with split protein molecules is introduced into the cat’s diet. After completing the course, they give the usual diet and record the reaction. If a food allergy is confirmed, dietary food is prescribed for a long term or for life.

Skin infections

Scratched cat sores on the neck and head in some cases occur due to infectious diseases. Cats with access to the outdoors are especially susceptible to them. When a bacterial infection of the skin occurs, one of two forms develops:

Dry. Dry crusts, dandruff and scabs form on your cat's neck.
Wet. It is characterized by the appearance of blisters and ulcers with liquid contents inside.

Animals with sensitive skin are predisposed to eczema. It develops through prolonged contact with flea collars, harnesses, after insect bites and skin parasites.

Important! Diabetes mellitus, neuropathy and hormonal changes contribute to the appearance of eczema.

A rash and blisters appear on the pet's body. Severe itching leads to the cat scratching its neck until it bleeds, and sores appear that do not go away for a long time. To eliminate eczema, antibacterial therapy, various ointments and powders are prescribed.

Viral dermatoses

Cat scratching on the skin is also characteristic of viral dermatoses. The herpes virus affects the eyes and respiratory tract of the animal, often manifesting itself as skin lesions. They are often localized in the area of the nose and eyes, less often on the paws and stomach.

Feline herpes is characterized by:

bloody stains;
small rash;
swelling of the skin;
small scabs on the neck, sores on the head.

Skin changes appear 1.5 weeks after the disappearance of conjunctivitis and other characteristic symptoms.

Cowpox or poxvirus is a rare disease. It can enter the cat's body through the bites of small rodents. It manifests itself as skin lesions in the form of nodules and small ulcers. With good immunity, it goes away on its own. In weakened animals there is a risk of developing a severe form.

Autoimmune dermatoses

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by an abnormal reaction of the immune system to its own tissues and cells. Skin manifestations on the body of cats are characteristic of several diseases:

Common pemphigus. It is characterized by the development of ulcers in cats around the mouth and in its cavity itself. Involves long and difficult treatment. It often ends critically for animals.
Erythematous pemphigus. Crusts, ulcers, blisters, sores and other lesions are concentrated in the area of the animal’s nose and bridge of the nose. Sometimes the disease is accompanied by a change in skin color.
Pemphigus foliaceus. The main symptom is the appearance of large pustules on the skin near the mouth and ears. Associated signs in cats include elevated body temperature, refusal to eat, and apathy.
Systemic lupus erythematosus. It affects all systems and organs of the animal. Wounds on the scalp manifest themselves through depigmentation of the skin, the development of a rash and the subsequent formation of ulcers.

Sores on a cat’s neck under the fur: Where to go?

Moscow:

Movet . The clinic is open 24 hours a day. Performs all types of modern research. It is also possible to call a doctor at home.
Veles . 30% discount on service for guide dogs. There are also other promotions. Unfortunately, specialists do not work around the clock, but this does not affect the quality of services.

Saint Petersburg:

Elvet clinic network . I work around the clock. It is worth keeping an eye on constantly updated promotions and discounts on the website.
Veterinary Clinic named after. Ivan Fillmore . Separate entrance for domestic and stray animals. This does not affect the quality of the services provided. Our specialists will provide quality care to all patients.

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