I'm in desperate need of help. For about 5 months now my cat Joey has been viciously self mutilating his face underneath his ear. We've been to 2 different vets, the first only giving us a cone and sending us on our way and the other giving us regiments of steroids. The vet doesn't think it's a food allergy and refuses to give him any more steroids, and has no idea what to do with him. It has almost fully healed numerous times then he rips the cone off and rips his head open. He is in so much pain from the deep cuts in his face and I don't know what to do anymore. We've also considered declawing his right back paw but it's so painful to older cats. I don't want to put him down because I love him so much but I'm at my wits end. Any advice?
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Self Harming Hot Spot
- Thread starter emmkeyes
- Start Date
Oh my, what an ordeal for your poor cat and you.
I totally agree with avoiding declawing. IMO it has the potential to cause much more harm than good. Not worth it. And he'll probably end up scratching with another paw.
I imagine the vet gave you the all-clear on ringworm and on earmites? Scratching there can indicate either. It would take a sample to rule out either. I really think the reason for all the scratching needs to be revealed and treated. Since you mentioned it's almost healed completely several times but once the cone was removed Joey was back to scratching, I think that could mean the itch is still there... Maybe ask to be referred to a dermatologist for a second opinion?
I totally agree with avoiding declawing. IMO it has the potential to cause much more harm than good. Not worth it. And he'll probably end up scratching with another paw.
I imagine the vet gave you the all-clear on ringworm and on earmites? Scratching there can indicate either. It would take a sample to rule out either. I really think the reason for all the scratching needs to be revealed and treated. Since you mentioned it's almost healed completely several times but once the cone was removed Joey was back to scratching, I think that could mean the itch is still there... Maybe ask to be referred to a dermatologist for a second opinion?
In the meantime, while you're still trying to figure out what's causing this problem, have you othought about putting soft paws on his right back claws? These are what I'm talking about: http://www.thecatsite.com/products/soft-claws-soft-paws-for-cats
I know the Vet doesn't think it's food related, but just out of curiosity, WHAT are you feeding him? And also, can you see any little bumps, any rash, ANYTHING where he scratches, other than the sores he is creating with his claws? Are you applying anything to the wounds to help them heal?
I know the Vet doesn't think it's food related, but just out of curiosity, WHAT are you feeding him? And also, can you see any little bumps, any rash, ANYTHING where he scratches, other than the sores he is creating with his claws? Are you applying anything to the wounds to help them heal?
