scar on cat's head

Hi,

about 6 months ago I found several little injuries above my cat's eyes on both sides. I took her to the vet and he gave me a cream to use. I was worried it was something serious but he said since the two inuries were symmetric she had probably hit her head on something, but we had to wait to see if there was anything under the scar when they came off. there wasn't and although she had the same injuries a few weeks later, I used the cream again and it got rid of it, I didn't take her back to the vet and that seemed to be the end of it.

Today I have noticed again the same injuries and I'm starting to wonder if anyone else has had this and should I be worried? I don't know whether to take her back to the vet (I suppose I should because I don't know what it is and am worried).

Here are 2 photos, she has the same kind of thing on each side

http://img13.imageshack.us/g/sdc13411w.jpg/

if it was cancer or something else serious, would this cycle of having a sort of bleeding injury which heals and then comes back be what would happen or not?

thanks for any advice you can give me

Have a vet take a small biopsy from the area. While it could be a type of skin cancer, as you fear (it's not impossible), that area is also likely to show sores for allergic reaction and ringworm. The biopsy will also show it it's allergic, a skin scraping of the area could be tested for ringworm.

Is your cat kept on a monthly flea topical and is she earmite free?

I was thinking ringworm too. Skin conditions can be difficult to treat. You may want to ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist, if the ringworm tests are negative.

But I do have one question, does she go outside? If she does, she may be getting hurt by some sicko.

Welcome to TCS, please keep us updated on your girlie.

hi!

thanks very much for the replies.

no she doesn't go outside, I live in a third floor flat. I do have a balcony but always watch when she is on it so it's not something she is injuring herself on there.

how does ringworm start? is it infectious to me? I've looked it up and the pictures of it don't really look like what she has, but obviously I'm no expert. If it was that would it come and go as I described?

She is 2 and a half if that makes a difference?

for fleas, no she doesn't have any treatment at all for that, my mum told me that as she doesn't go outside she doesn't need any, but maybe thats not the case? the vet has never asked or suggested anything for that.

she doesn't have earmites as far as I know, again I looked it up but I can't see any brown granules in or around her ears.

if it was an allergic reaction, since it is on her head, I assume that means it would be something she is touching with her head? I mean, if she was allergic to her food for example, would she have this kind of skin condition as a result?

Food allergies often, most often even, present as skin problems and around the ears is a common spot.

Mites are not always visible. Yeast infections and bacterial infections in the ear could also be causing this. The vet needs to swab some gunk out of her ears and see if there is anything brewing in there.

Flea allergy: all it takes is one bite, if a cat is allergic to fleas, to cause a reaction.

I recommend another trip to the vet, with your list of questions written down. If this vet does not seem willing to pursue the matter, find another vet.

Keep us posted on your girlie, what's her name?

she is called Buffy.
ok, will take her to the vet with list of possible causes!

Honestly, I'm not really thinking ringworm, either. But unless the vet can figure out what it is that needs to be ruled out.

It honestly looks a lot like the allergic reactions my cat Siri had to mosquito bites. Except hers would get worse. Like your cat they sore would heal, then come right back.
Allergies and skin sensitivities can be to all sorts of things, though. There are even cats that react to their litter.

And yes while it would be less likely for her to get fleas up in an apartment like that, it's not impossible. Most of us with indoor cats have dealt with fleas hitching hiking their way inside some way or another - usually on us.
If your building allows pets all it would take is someone with an animal nearby that has fleas. A few fleas could get out into the hall and jump on the first warm thing they sense - you as you walk by. Then you could bring them into your apartment.

I hope the vet can figure it out though I'm a bit concerned that they didn't do anything about it the first time. Indoor cats usually don't get themselves into trouble that results in prominent wounds/sores like that. Maybe try another vet?