Cat Allergic Dermatitis, Abscesses and Ringworm
Is a skin inflammation, often caused by sensitivity to flea’s saliva. Some cats develop allergic reactions to one simple bite.
- Symptoms: one sign is excessive grooming and small scabs may appear, specially on the back.
- Treatment: daisy oil can help reduce skin sensitivity, but in severe cases corticosteroids have to be prescribed. A food supplement, called Spirulina, that can be bought at pet stores, is effective in treating skin problems.
Abscesses
Cats have a lot of bacteria in their teeth and that is the reason why a cat bite an cause an abscess. A wound from the sharp canine teeth is deep, but the opening on the surface is very small and closes quickly, leaving the infection trapped deep within the wound. A hot and painful infection is caused, the cat becomes indifferent, leaves food and even may develop a high temperature. The most common areas are around the neck and the base of the tail. If there is swelling on the side of the face it may be an abscess in a tooth.
- Treatment: don’t try to open the abscess, keep it moist with hot water and some salt. This will form a summit on the abscess and after twenty-four hours it will open and release green puss mixed with blood. If it does not open within twenty-four hours consult your veterinarian, who will open and drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection. An untreated abscess can lead to blood poisoning.
Ringworm
It is a highly contagious micotic infection, which can be spread from a cat, rat or any object that has infected spores. The fungus invades the surfaces of the skin and debilitates the hair, causing it to fracture.
- Symptoms: signs of ringworm vary, but the classics are small round, hairless patches, generally around the head, ears, front paws & claws.
Ringworm and Humans
Ringworm is transmitted to humans. Although it doesn’t affect healthy adults, children, old people and teenagers with a low immune system are vulnerable. Consult your doctor if any red circular patches appear on your skin, specially on the hands and arms.
- Treatment: diagnostic can be confirmed using ultraviolet light and possibly with microscopic and culture tests. A prolonged administration of Griseofulvin, an antimicotic drug, is prescribed. An infected cat has to be isolated from other cats, as well as dogs and children, until treatment is complete. Always wash your hands well after manipulating the cat. Micotic spores remain infectious in the house for a long time. Consult your veterinarian for ways to fight the infection.
Maggots
Old hurt and sick cats are vulnerable to bluebottle flies in summer. The flies lay their eggs on an infected wound or on dirty hair. When the larvae incubate the feed on the cats flesh, releasing a toxin into the blood stream, which can be lethal.
- Treatment: this is a serious condition, take your cat to the veterinarian quickly to take out the maggots, clean the wound and prescribe antibiotics.
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