Allergy symptoms

My cat has been suffering for months with itchiness. The Vet had a Dermatologist examine samples of the sores and their only diagnosis was "Chronic irritation" which meant she was causing the sores by licking, but the answer to WHY she is licking wasn't given.

I take her to the Vet this afternoon and am very glad I made the appointment because in the middle of the night I heard her trying desperately to lick herself (she has an e-collar on) and I could tell she is miserable. The Vet thought it might be OCD, but I seriously think she is reacting to a real itch (though it might also be OCD). I got up and tried to give her Benadryl and have her eat - she refused to eat, which then led to stomach upset and I felt worse.

I am going to see about changing her to the Venison and Green Pea diet, just to see if we can rule out food allergy. Meanwhile, though I have fretted about having a prednisone dose given to her, at this point I've seen it is the only thing that gives her immediate relief. Is it ok on short term basis? I feel bad yet I want to relieve her...meanwhile working hard to figure out the cause...

I've taken off the e-collar to let her eat and groom, but it seems to excite the itchy feeling in her and pretty soon that's all she will do until I am forced to put the collar back on.

We've tried Benadryl, it doesn't really work for her. I'm going to recommend blood tests be taken to make sure her body is functioning normally, just for my piece of mind. I don't mind paying for various tests if they will tell us something useful. I just have to cut back on some other expenses, and hope we choose the right tests! Thanks everyone. It just feels helpful to talk about it, this has been so stressful for both of us!

Hi there:

Just wanted to let you know that there are various negative side effects to using predisone in a cat, one of which is diabetes. Please make sure your vet lets you know of all the risks before you decide to go ahead with it. Prednisone offers relief because it masks the symptom of the allergy, the itchiness. It in no way gets to the bottom of what is CAUSING the itchiness, which is what you as a concerned mama want to know. I used to work at a vet clinic & while I know that they are fantastic for many issues that arise in our beloved kitties, I did learn that many vets are not always interested in finding out what CAUSES the allergies, just in relieveing the symptoms. You may want to consider looking for a homeopathic vet, who should always look for the root of the problem. Also, the diet change is a great idea; many cats' allergies ARE diet related. You probably won't see immediate results from the diet change, though...it can take 4-6 weeks to notice a difference. Hope your baby is on the way to feeling better
Amanda

I am going to see about changing her to the Venison and Green Pea diet, just to see if we can rule out food allergy. Meanwhile, though I have fretted about having a prednisone dose given to her, at this point I've seen it is the only thing that gives her immediate relief. Is it ok on short term basis? I feel bad yet I want to relieve her...meanwhile working hard to figure out the cause...

Think I`d get a second opinion.
Linda

hello!

it was suggested that we also try the venison and green pea diet for mabel (chronic diahrrea) to see if that eases her ibd symptoms.

she will not touch the canned, but i've been mixing the kibble into her normal McDonald's variety kibble (meow mix) and she's taken to that. slowly but surely, i'll wean her onto stricly v&gp (natural balance is the brand we're using...i'm sure there must be others).

just a word to the wise. the canned food is very solid. mabel has mouth issues, so the hard food is difficult for her to eat, even pureed. i would have to water it down so much, it wouldn't help at all with the ibd.

good luck to you!

Thanks, everyone! My Vet is the greatest. I had expressed months ago, my concerns about steroids as well as budget issues. She hasn't forgotten and tries to find the best solutions for me. I know that Vet bills are a responsibility of having a pet, I don't mind them - I just have to save up for them, is all.

She put my cat on the Venison and Green Pea diet from IVD. They sent me home with 1 can and 1 bag of dry, just to make sure she likes it. I worried that she wouldn't, but she gobbled down both, very happily, almost ravenously!! She is on an allergy med for 10 days, that's all - no steroids!!!

They took blood tests - just to make sure all organs are functioning properly. They were unable to get a sample for urinalysis, but I really feel her symptoms point to food allergy. Tummy and back leg irritation, itchy face and neck, etc. I sure hope we're on the right track now. I noticed that both foods she has been on have included chicken. I am HOPING that is the culprit. Thanks for your kind words and well wishes. If this doesn't work, the Vet still believes we may be dealing with OCD, which might require medication - what is your opinion on that? HOPEFULLY, we won't have to go there...

I hope it is simpley an allergy and controlable with diet or meds ... sending

My vet suggested a diet of chicken and rice when he thought our cat had an allergy to fleas.

It may be that she's licking the same spot cos she feels its unclean. You could try washing it for her, by getting a cloth and dipping it in warm water. To cats it feels like a mother washing her kitten.