Further Treatment Option for Muffin - Need Opinions

The vet called this morning. He talked to the dermatologist at the vet school. He said pretty quickly that the places need to be biopsied. That would involve putting Muffin to sleep and taking a piece of skin one to one and a half centimeters long which would include the affected area and the regular skin. There would have to be one or two stitches in the places and the vet said he would do three places. It is not one hundred percent sure that will show the problem, but then it might. The other suggestion he had is to take Muffin to let the dermatologist see for himself. That would be a two hour drive. Then the dermatologist might just say the same thing, biopsy it. I am concerned about putting him out, also about cutting places that already haven't healed since Oct. and then the risk we might not still know. The cost involved to do the procedure and the lab work would be three to four hundred dollars. What do you think.

Unfortunately that's the only way they can arrive at a diagnosis, so you really don't have a choice. This has to be done. And my advice would be to go to the dermatologist so he could examine Muffin himself. There is nothing like an exam when the vet can look at the areas of concern and the condition of the cat in general. Vets look for many things during an exam and letting them do that is the best thing for a cat, it's in the best interest of a cat.

Anesthesia is always a concern, but there are health problems that just can't be solved without anesthesia. You might want to ask about the drugs they are panning to use and the risks associated with them. You can also read up on the drugs they will be using.

If you want Muffin to be as safe as possible for the biopsy under anesthesia have a heart ultrasound done a few days before the procedure. Undiagnosed heart problems are one of the more serious risks when cats and dogs have to be anesthetized for medical procedures.

Thanks Violet, I hadn't thought about possible heart issues. This cat is really my hubby's cat. He is not liking the sound of any of this. He is very concerned about messing with places that are already there because they wouldn't heal since Oct. I guess he thinks maybe what they do won't heal.

I'm pretty sure the dermatologist will be able to tell you a whole lot more about healing in these areas once he sees them. It will be really essential for you to talk to him.

The other thing is, from what I know, under no circumstance should a cat with any kind of wound on him be allowed outside. Keeping him inside is crucial for healing and keeping the wound(s) clean.

Also, licking or scratching these areas must be prevented.

The dermatologist might have medication to help wound healing.

I'm hoping the biopsy will get you and your vet the answers you are looking for. The only other thing I could think of would be consulting a hematologist. But maybe you've already done that.

Oh, and a vitally important thing to remember. Under no circumstances use any kind of flea treatment before - close to the time - the biopsy under anesthesia.