Skin Issues

When I adopted Tom he was 12 and had special needs which turned out to be hyperthyroidism. He also had other issues which were never mentioned. I noticed when holding him there were a few small pimple sized bumps on his skin. They became worse and seemed most prominent along his spine near his hips and tail. He does not seem bothered by them but I am. The area is definitely tender though. The vet checked for fleas but there were no signs. She gave him a shot of antibiotic which did not work. Went back and still no help but another shot of antibiotic with a suggestion of steroids which I refused. Next visit, same reason I conceded to the steroid in tablet form for 2 weeks and then was weaned off of them. Now these "pimples" are clumping together and coming to a scabby head. The vet still has no idea and put him on antibiotic tablets for 2 weeks. To me this is merely a shot in the dark. The antibiotics and steroids have cost me nearly $200.

Except for the clusters near his spine the pimples don't always appear in the same spot and sometimes they go away. I have done some research and it could be a few causes including stress or a food allergy. When he came to me he was eating Fancy Feast and some a Costco brand of dry. I tried some Nature's Variety turkey which he loved but suddenly did not like it any more. I put him on the Fancy Feast which he loves but am thinking of another brand which might help such as Friskies which he seems to like on the trial can I bought. I took away the Costco kibble but he has some Royal Canin which he likes although he gets very little.

I don't know what to do but try a different brand of food and see. The vet wants him back in 2 weeks for a recheck which is more money. Don't get me wrong I would pay anything to keep him healthy but am starting to feel like a cash cow for the clinic. 

Mikki has something similar! She does go after hers though and licks and licks until she gets the scab off..then it becomes a sore/hot spot. I tend to think it's food allergies..but we did go 2 months of elimination diet with no success..she wouldn't eat the special diet food either... so we then eliminated different proteins 2 months at a time...chicken first...then fish, etc... but it didn't improve at all. She had a steroid shot and antibiotic and they did nothing. I've tried zyrtec for allergies...it did nothing. She has been treated for fleas, even though she's indoors only. I think it's just a stress thing. I tried calming stuff too, even though she has a mild personality.. but nothing has helped the skin issues. The only thing we've done that helps her, is to put anti itch cream on it .. as it calms it...plus it's bitter so she won't lick it, then the fur grows over the sore. It's not like she is an itchy cat either... very frustrating. I should probably give her a special bath once and awhile to see if that helps.

Thanks it is nice to know Tom is not alone. To the best of my knowledge he doesn't lick the area excessively. A week or so after he got here he started pulling out his fur but not in that area. Mainly on his paws. That is, I believe a sign of stress and maybe the skin issues are also the result of stress. Don't know why because he is pampered silly and knows he is loved. He has stopped pulling his fur out and the bald spots are recovered.

oh good! Glad to hear that!

My cat Bambi had this baaaad. Turned out to be a. Allergy to FISH. Have her on purina one uti kibble (TURQUOISE and red bag) and sheba turkey and chicken wet food - only cheap food with no fish in it. .....also i was told MOLD can cause those sores at times. Hope all is well