Vet can't figure this out

Our cat has had some health problems recently and the vet is at a loss. The first symptom was excessive scratching that caused open wounds. Additionally, several times a paw was swollen to two/three times its normal size. Kitty is on a new diet for allergies. Mold was considered, but scab tested negative. Ears are fine...no mites. Kitty is on antibiotics, but no positive results. Anyone have any ideas? This has been going on for over a month now.

Oh my lord, this poor kitty. Are there any feline specialists in your area? This kitty needs a specialist, not just a vet. You might consider using Transfer Factor for Felines for him.

I can't be of any help, but bless his little Heart

Is this an indoor/outdoor cat?? I had a dog witha grass allergy that manifested similiar

OMG, although I don't have any suggestions, I will pray that you are able to find an answer and he will get better soon. Please send updates!

No ideas...but I am soooo sorry...have you tried looking up cat skin conditions online? We have been able to get many a clue to things by searching dermatology sites.

I'm no expert and I agree with Hissy, you need a specialist...

but the first thing that came to mind -- and I'm sure someone else knows the exact name of it -- isn't there an illness that is like Lupus but in cats? I thought the symptoms where similar to what you've shown us and explained (though I could be wrong...) -- It's basically where kitty's immune system goes haywire and attacks the healthy parts of him...

This is heartbreaking poor baby

Oh my gooshness, I have no idea what could cause that but I'll keep your kitty in my prayers. Bless his little heart...

There is this website as well

http://www.nzymes.com/Articles/cat_s...r_problems.htm

My first thought was ringworm when you mentioned the excessive scratching. There is also allergic contact dermatitis that can cause these skin lesions as well. There are also hot spots, but this condition is more prevalent in dogs during the warmer months. I would think that your vet would have been able to diagnose these however. Hmmm, I can't think of anything else at the moment. I do agree however, a specialist is needed. I hope your poor kitty gets better soon

Transfer factor works great and my cat had a miraculous recovery using it. There are a lot of vet dermatologists around though and he should be seen. Look in the yellow pages or call and ask your vet. It does kind of sound and look like ringworm.

Oh good grief the poor thing

Please take the advice of the others and keep us updated

Thanks to all who answered. We're in the process of finding a dermatologist but the one who was recommended is out until June. Kitty is getting better, but we still have to keep the doughnut on him. Kitty is an indoor cat who has no contact with other animals. Ringworms were also discounted. The poor little guy just seems to itch a lot. Here he is today.

Your little guy is certainly looking better than in the first picture you posted. The E-collar he's wearing, or "donut" is far more preferable to the plastic ones, since this is soft and looks more comfortable. It seems he may have to continue wearing this for a while, so you might want to look into a "Bite Not" collar, another alternative to an E-collar. Cats can eat, drink, play and see around corners because their peripheral vision is unimpeded. It's available at www.carealotpets.com for $19.95 plus shipping.

It's a possibility that your cat has a food allergy. You might want to try a new brand and flavor of canned food. Make sure it's high quality - no by-products, preservatives or artificial colors. Also avoid wheat and corn.

Hissy had a good suggestion about Transfer Factor. For information about that see the thread in this forum "What is Transfer Factor?" www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49143

Salmon oil is also very beneficial for skin problems. Most cats can take the contents of a 500mg cap mixed into food once per day.

Hope Kitty continues to heal and feels better soon. Please let us know.

wow, how long did it take for his fur to grow back in?

This is a long shot also, but I see you have carpet. Do you use any kind of carpet freshener or deodorant powder when you vacuum? I was absolutely amazed when I had to pull up a section at our previous residence to see how much of the stuff had sifted under the carpeting. Hope you find the answer soon!

has your vet tried doing a skin allergy test, it is basically the same thing as they do on humans. small amounts of diluted allergens are injected just under the cats skin and then after about half an hour you can see which ones the cat is allergic to by comparing the colour of the skin above. it might not give you a final answer but it can rule out any allergy if that isnt the cause, at least then you can move on to think about other causes.

does your cat itch all over or is it just at certain parts?

i hope he gets better soon, my thoughts and prayers are with you both

oh sorry lol i seem to have missed out a load of pages lol, i was replying to the original question right at the start,,,,,,,,glad to see ur cat is looking better though that really is amazing

Wow your kitty definitly has improved. Still keeping him in my thoughts!