Rough scab like patches?

qtcowgirl

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Our poor little Gatsby just can't seem to catch a break. We solved his tummy issues and is doing great in that regard. However now we have noticed he has a rough, scab like patch on the back of his left ear and now 2 of his paw pads have this same type of look around them. We have another vet appointment to have it checked out, but not until a week from tomorrow. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what topical option I may have to help him until our appointment? Thanks!
 

mrblanche

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My first guess would be ringworm. It can be tough to eradicate. Do a search on here for threads on the subject. Most athlete's foot treatments will work.
 
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qtcowgirl

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I looked at the pictures, and I dont seem to see anything that looks like this. But I could be wrong. Here are a couple pictures I was able to get. The one on the ear is like one giant scab, and then the photo I was able to get of his paw, he has 2 more toes that have this same issue. I am anxious to find out how to fix this for him, unfortunately its not until Friday the 4th. Thanks again for the advice!
 

simka

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Well, the ears are a very common place for you to first see ringworm, but it's usually a round scaly patch, almost like a ring, and it usually looks a bit reddened. I've never seen it in the toes. You could start with Lamisil (that's what I've always used) on his ears but you may not want to put it on his toes because he will lick it off. If it is ringworm, you are in for some seriously hard cleaning work I'm sorry to say. Washing all bedding and cleaning every surface with Chlorox every day is exhausting after you have put in a full day at work. Let's hope it's something easier to treat, and less contagious.
 
 
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qtcowgirl

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I first noticed it on his paw a few days ago, and thought perhaps it was rough skin or something (allergies perhaps due to all the flowers and trees in bloom) but then I noticed the scab on his ear today. So it seems to be reversed of what you are telling me, but I will definitely try lamisil until the appointment on his ear and see if it improves. Yes fingers crossed its not ringworm. We have 2 other cats and 2 dogs that he hangs out with and sleeps next to and snuggles or plays with all the time, this could be a disaster if it is.
 
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qtcowgirl

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We were able to get in today instead of next week, and I'm very glad we did. Turns out it is ringworm. So here goes to treating the entire household and trying to clear all this up. Fingers crossed it goes quickly and smoothly
 

mrblanche

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Just so you know, there IS an oral medication, and it does work well.  Topical treatment is first choice, but the oral treatment is occasionally necessary.
 

Also, don't panic.  The two little fosters we had last year both got it, and we treated it topically.  It didn't spread, none of the other cats got it, and we didn't get it.
 
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qtcowgirl

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Is it common for ringworm to get worse before it gets better? Our vet said we caught it very early and should not take too long for him to heal. It went from a small spot on his left ear to now nearly taking over his ear and moving to the inside of his ear. I feel so bad for the little guy, not only does he get a medicated bath every other day, and topical ointment twice daily but he's also in solitary confinement. We spend a lot of time with him in his "room" (aka our master bath) but it just kills me to not only see what seems like his symptoms getting worse, but to hear him cry every time he hears someone in he house. Is there anything else I can do for the poor guy?
 
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