Eczema in cats: symptoms of weeping and dry eczema, treatment methods

Most skin diseases are accompanied by unbearable itching. It is difficult for animals, like children, to explain the dangers of scratching, which is why bleeding wounds often appear on their bodies. Damaged skin attracts pathogenic microorganisms: not meeting the usual barrier, they quickly penetrate the body, causing a secondary infection.

The described situation is typical for eczema in cats - the most common type of acute dermatosis. It is quite difficult to cure this pathology, so it often becomes chronic and torments the animal with periodic relapses.

The essence of eczema and its manifestations

Eczema in cats is an inflammatory disease affecting the epidermis (the top layer of skin). It manifests itself in the form of an itchy rash, gradually transforming into blisters with purulent contents.

The pathology is not contagious to other domestic animals and is not transmitted to humans. Despite this, when treating purulent ulcers, it is recommended to use protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after each contact.

Otherwise, pus containing pathogenic microorganisms can get into microcracks in the skin or mucous membranes and cause inflammation. This situation is very rare, but you should not exclude its possibility and neglect basic safety rules.

Diagnostics

The main task of a dermatologist is to determine the cause of skin lesions. In the case of both diseases, a cytological examination is carried out and fingerprint smears are taken - when taking a sample, a glass slide is pressed against the affected skin, then stained and examined under a microscope.

Also, in case of suspected miliary dermatitis, non-allergic causes (infections, autoimmune diseases) are excluded. A skin scraping is taken for culture to determine the presence of bacterial or fungal cultures, as well as the presence of parasites. A complete blood count is performed to detect eosinophilia.

If pyorerma is suspected, at the initial stage a differential diagnosis is carried out from diseases with similar symptoms, for example dermatophytoses, autoimmune dermatoses, parasitic infestations (sarcoptic mange). In rare cases, a skin biopsy may be required. If systemic diseases are suspected, the veterinarian may prescribe:

• Biochemical and general blood tests;
• Determination of hormone levels such as cortisol, thyroxine;
• Analysis for immunodeficiency in cats.

Stages of development and corresponding symptoms

The pathology develops in stages and goes through 3 stages. Each of them is accompanied by a specific set of symptoms:

1. Erythematous

   . One area of ​​the skin becomes swollen and red. This occurs due to the accumulation of toxins and poor circulation. The pet becomes itchy, so it begins to actively scratch and lick itself.

2. Papular

   . The inflamed area becomes covered with dense tubercles. Over time, a cloudy liquid appears in them.

3. Vesicular

   . The bubbles, called vesicles, can be seen in detail in the photo. The vesicular stage develops according to one of two scenarios: the contents can resolve or break out. In the first case, the skin becomes rough and peels, in the second, it becomes wet and partially collapses. The leaked exudate corrodes neighboring areas, increasing the size of the erosion.

In place of the erythema, dandruff appears, the hair sticks together and falls out. Without timely treatment, the fur coat can not only lose thickness, but also disappear completely.

In addition to physiological changes, it is important to note behavioral ones. Due to constant itching and pain in scratched areas, the pet becomes apathetic and loses its appetite. The body's defenses are weakened, increasing the likelihood of a secondary infection.

Development of eczema

Eczema can appear due to exposure to both external and internal factors on the body. It can manifest itself differently in different animals. But still, in the initial stages, eczema most often manifests itself in the same way in all cats.

This is not a contagious disease. It is not transmitted to people or other animals. However, unless an accurate diagnosis has been made by a veterinarian, caution should be exercised in any case when contacting a sick animal.

Inflammation can occur on any area of ​​the skin. Itching begins and redness appears. When touched, the area of ​​skin feels hot. The cat begins to itch and lick itself. Hair may fall out on the affected area. By scratching the eczema, the animal causes even more harm, as harmful bacteria get under the skin. This stage is called erythematous.

Small lumps appear on the affected area of ​​the skin, which are later filled with liquid. This is the papular stage.

Next comes the vesicular stage. The development of the disease can follow two paths: The resulting blisters dry out, and scales appear on the skin - this is dry eczema. The balls burst and a grayish liquid flows out of them - this is wet eczema . The fluid affects adjacent areas of the skin, and the eczema increases in size.

The further development of the disease depends on whether help is provided to the animal in a timely manner. Itching can cause the cat to introduce an infection into the wound with its claws, which will only make the situation worse. If timely help is not provided and the cause of inflammation is not identified, eczema can increase and invade healthy areas of the skin.

In addition to physical manifestations, the animal’s behavior changes. Constant itching is debilitating for a cat. She becomes apathetic and makes contact worse. The immune system weakens, and the body becomes vulnerable to other diseases.

Classification of the disease according to its causes

Due to the occurrence of eczema in cats, it is divided into 4 large groups. Despite the similar symptoms, they all require different treatment methods.

Traumatic

This form of pathology occurs when insect bites and any injuries (frostbite, burns, friction of the collar) affecting the skin. In most cases, it develops as a weeping ulcer.

Neuropathic

The neuropathic form develops against the background of disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the reaction of internal organs to stimuli. It is caused by congenital genetic pathologies and some infections (distemper), which give complications to the central nervous system.

May manifest as peeling or erosive formations. It responds poorly to drug therapy and has a poor prognosis.

Reflex

Occurs when hypersensitivity to certain irritants (fabrics, detergents, pollen, food, flea saliva). This reaction of the body is called atopic dermatitis. This form is treated with antihistamines, which suppress the main symptoms.

Arising due to internal reasons

Internal causes include pathologies of the urinary tract, prolonged stress, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, helminthiases and infections. The risk group includes animals with chronic diseases, elderly pets and kittens with weak immune systems.

Prevention of eczema

The prevention of eczema primarily includes keeping the animal in appropriate conditions and balanced nutrition. Annual vaccinations and timely treatment of your pet against fleas, worms and other parasites are also required.

Read more about treatment for parasites: Treatment for parasites

About deworming: How to get rid of worms in cats?

Pet owners should carefully ensure that chemicals, detergents and other substances that can cause irritation to the cat are securely kept away from the animal. There is no need to let the condition of your pet’s fur get too dirty, not only by combing it in a timely manner, but also, if necessary, by bathing the cat.

In conclusion, we would like to add that eczema is treatable, but the sooner you start treatment, the faster the animal will be able to get rid of the disease. Remember, you are responsible for those you have tamed, and to love means to care. Take care of your pets, and they will reciprocate!

Classification by type of manifestation

Symptoms and treatment of eczema in cats directly depend on the type of its manifestation. The most dangerous are bursting pustules, which increase the affected area and cause tissue death.

Wet look

This species is easily identified by its wet and shiny surface. Bubbles with pus burst on their own or under the influence of sharp claws scratching the skin until it bleeds. The weeping lesion is not limited to one area and gradually grows, forming a huge ulcer oozing with pus or ichor.

Dry look

If the exudate resolves, the papules gradually harden and peel off. The skin at the site of the lesion begins to peel off and dandruff forms. This type of eczema in cats is called dry. Its main danger is the possibility of degeneration into a weeping appearance due to inflammation of the scratches. For this reason, it is recommended to treat the disease already at the erythematous stage.

Symptoms of eczema

It happens that the owner does not immediately discover that his pet is sick. If your cat has long hair, redness and flaking may not be immediately noticeable. This is why it is important to carefully examine your pet periodically. The animal combs the same place. Due to itching, the cat may become irritable or, on the contrary, passive. Soon the inflamed area enlarges, it turns red and papules appear on it. At this point the hair may fall out completely. In the dry form, the owner may notice dandruff in a separate area of ​​fur, and not over the entire area of ​​the body. Weeping eczema is easy to notice, since the fur in the inflamed area is constantly wet. The wound does not heal and fluid oozes from it.

We recommend the article: The cat has lost his voice: reasons for how to help your pet

Varieties according to flow form

Another classification is based on the form of the course, that is, the speed of development and severity of symptoms. The most favorable prognosis is typical for the acute form.

Acute

The acute course is characterized by the sudden appearance and rapid increase of all of the listed symptoms. Kittens often suffer from this form.

Despite their weak immunity, they recover quite quickly soon after starting drug therapy. This is explained by the timely detection of the disease and the small number of pathological changes inside the body.

Subacute

The subacute form develops after 1-1.5 months as a complication of the acute form. It is difficult to treat and often becomes chronic.

Chronic

Unlike acute and subacute, the chronic form is rarely accompanied by wet ulcers. It is characterized by constant peeling and partial baldness. Chronic pathology often occurs in older cats and pets weakened by concomitant diseases.

This disease is practically incurable and can last for years, accompanied by a series of remissions and relapses. To improve the condition of a sick animal, maintenance therapy is used.

Treatment

Treatment of both diseases comes down to systemic therapy and local treatments.

Miliary dermatitis

The cat is treated for parasites with modern drugs in the form of “spot-on”, with treatment of the premises and other animals. A hypoallergenic diet may be prescribed. If the animal suffers from itching, the veterinarian will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of steroid hormones (tablets or injections). Once the cause of the disease is eliminated, cats usually make a full recovery.

Pyoderma

Systemic antibiotics are the first choice drugs. The course should be at least two weeks, plus one to two weeks after visible recovery. Local treatments are carried out using antibacterial shampoos, which effectively fight bacteria and wash away pus and crusts. Before starting local treatments, a hygienic haircut is recommended. Gels, lotions, and ointments with an antiseptic effect can also be used.

With insufficient or inadequate therapy, pyoderma can recur - in such cases, an analysis is performed to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics. For the pet’s recovery, it is important that owners follow all the veterinarian’s instructions.

Dermatologist of the veterinary clinic “Vetdoctor” - Gurenka E.A. conducts consultations with similar problems of animals according to a schedule, which can be clarified by phone or by making an appointment online

Diagnosis of the problem and difference from similar skin diseases

Before you understand exactly how to treat eczema in a cat, you need to establish its cause. Do not treat the affected area with medications before going to the veterinary clinic - using ointments and sprays without prescription will either blur the symptoms and complicate the doctor’s work, or will aggravate the existing problem.

The symptoms of the pathology are similar to ringworm and demodicosis, which require completely different treatment. In the first case, deformation of the claws occurs, in the second, scabs appear in the lesions, protecting the wounds from secondary infections. In both pathologies, hair falls out slowly, and the affected area quickly increases.

For eczematous lesions, the situation is the opposite: rapid baldness and slow growth of erosion. Remember that shingles is transmitted to humans, and try to avoid close contact until a diagnosis is made.

The main diagnostic methods include blood tests, skin scrapings and ultrasound. These studies help to identify deviations in basic indicators, assess the condition of internal organs, and determine the causative agent of infection or other provoking factors. The presence of helminthiasis is confirmed or refuted using stool and urine tests.

Prevention.

To prevent eczema, you need to adhere to the following preventive measures:

• keeping the animal in a clean, dry and warm room;
• maintaining the pet’s personal hygiene;
• preparing a diet taking into account the physiological state of the animal;
• use of vitamins and mineral supplements as recommended by a doctor;
• undergoing regular preventive examinations;
• timely treatment of diseases of internal organs.

Treatment methods

For a successful and rapid recovery of your pet, you must strictly follow all medical recommendations without deviating from the treatment regimen. In some situations, taking medications can last for almost a month, despite the disappearance of symptoms. This duration is explained by the need to eliminate all internal violations that can only be monitored using equipment.

Medicines prescribed by a veterinarian

First of all, the main cause of the ailment is eliminated: the material of the collar is changed, allergenic foods are removed from the diet and the diseases found are treated. In case of severe intoxication, the animal is given cleansing drips with saline and glucose: they help normalize the water-salt balance and improve overall well-being.

Most often, a sick animal is treated with the following drugs:

• antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Sinulox) that fight the infectious agent;
• antihistamines (Suprastin, Cetrin, Diphenhydramine) and glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone, Dexamethasone), which suppress the body’s excessive sensitivity;
• anthelmintics (Milbemax, Drontal, Profender), destroying adult parasites and their larvae;
• hepatoprotectors (Hepatovet, Covertal, Hepatoject), restoring liver functionality;
• sedatives (Stop-stress, Cat Bayun), preventing exacerbation of neuropathic diseases;
• diuretics (Furosemide, Hypothiazide), facilitating the removal of toxins;
• immunomodulators (Gamavit, Catozal, Vitam), stimulating the work of immune cells.

To treat weeping eczema in cats, antiseptics (miramistin, chlorhexidine) and antimicrobial agents are used, which have a healing effect and effectively dry out wounds. The dry appearance, on the contrary, is moistened using naphthalan ointment and Vishnevsky liniment.

Acceptable use of folk remedies

At home, treatment for eczema in cats may include folk remedies. These include:

• aloe juice, which improves tissue regeneration;
• infusion of currant leaves, which improves immunity;
• sea ​​buckthorn and St. John's wort oil, which relieves pain and inflammation;
• a decoction of oak bark and chamomile, which eliminates irritation and protects against germs;
• an infusion of burdock and dandelions, which normalizes metabolism and has a diuretic effect;
• a compress of celery and sunflower oil, recommended for eliminating dry inflammation.

All of the listed remedies are used as part of complex therapy and do not exclude taking medications from the pharmacy. Before using them, be sure to make sure there is no allergic reaction by dropping a small amount of infusion or ointment on the skin.

Remember that some traditional medicine recipes can be deadly. These products include birch tar and other tar-containing preparations. They are poisonous to the feline family, so be sure to consult your veterinarian about acceptable prescriptions during diagnosis.

Hygiene and maintenance of a sick pet

The hair on the affected areas must be cut or shaved, treating the skin with a neutral antiseptic. To avoid enlargement of pathological lesions, your pet should be wearing a protective collar - it will prevent scratching of wounds and licking of healing ointments.

Carry out wet cleaning daily in the room where the sick animal is located. Pay special attention to his sleeping place and feeding troughs.

Be sure to make sure there are no drafts. Remember that during treatment the immune system is very weak and vulnerable to colds and infections. If the cat is used to walking outside, put him in quarantine until he recovers.

Try to minimize stress by keeping your pet away from noisy children and overly active pets. Remember to give sedatives as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Review your diet by eliminating the most common allergens: fish, eggs, chicken, wheat and other grains. When dry feeding, it is recommended to switch to hypoallergenic food. If your pet is accustomed to natural products, be sure to add vitamins prescribed by your doctor to his food.

Treatment of the disease

After examination and laboratory tests, the veterinarian determines the type and stage of eczema and the pet, and prescribes treatment. Therapy is selected individually, based on the severity of the animal’s condition and the stage of the disease. It is strictly forbidden to treat your cat yourself. Only a specialist can correctly prescribe treatment and save the animal.

First of all, the doctor prescribes antibiotics and sedatives. Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol is used for disinfection. To dry the affected area of ​​the skin, treatment is carried out with brilliant green and iodine, and to moisturize dry eczema, it is lubricated with special moisturizers.

Without exception, all cats with eczema are prescribed vitamin complexes to support the immune system and follow a fermented milk diet. If the skin affected by eczema still has fur, it should be shaved off to facilitate access to the source of the disease.

Traditional medicine can be used as an addition to basic therapy, but only after consulting a doctor.

Almost all folk remedies are decoctions and ointments for external use. Drug treatment in combination with traditional medicine gives good results and has a positive effect on the dynamics of the animal’s recovery.

Types of eczema

Eczema in cats has several types, which differ in three groups of symptoms:

• by the nature of the inflammatory process;
• by the nature of the rash;
• on factors provoking the disease.

According to the nature of the inflammatory process

According to the nature of the inflammatory process, eczema has three forms: acute, subacute and chronic (which is very difficult to cure). The disease most often has an acute onset. This stage lasts about a month. It has pronounced symptoms, but is also better treated. Therefore, it is very important to start therapy as early as possible, before the process becomes chronic.

Chronic eczema is an indolent process that can last for years. Treatment often does not bring the expected effect.

According to the nature of the rash

Based on the nature of the rash, dry and weeping eczema are distinguished:

1. Dry eczema is most often a chronic process with constant relapses and persistent progression. The skin becomes inflamed, forming a scaly, scaly surface. Dry air is often a provoking factor for this form of the disease.
2. Weeping eczema in most cats is usually acute or subacute in nature. This is a severe, often recurrent form, which may be accompanied by intoxication and fever. The rash takes the form of blisters filled with serous fluid or purulent exudate. By scratching the affected area, the cat spreads the infection to adjacent areas of the skin. The epidermis gradually becomes loose, ulcerated, and the infection penetrates deeper.

According to provoking factors

The types of this disease may vary depending on the presence of factors that provoke the onset of the disease.

The disease is caused by a number of reasons, the main ones being:

• family history (one of the parents has a history of this disease);
• allergic mood of the body;
• the presence of endogenous factors (internal disorders);
• the presence of exogenous factors (external stimuli).

The presence of endogenous and exogenous factors can serve as an impetus for the onset of the disease only if the animal’s body already has low resistance and is sensitized (has increased susceptibility to the effects of foreign substances).

Of the endogenous factors, the greatest risk for the appearance of eczema is created by the following:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• disturbances in the urinary system;
• infection with pathogenic microorganisms and helminths;
• stress.

Of the exogenous factors, the most dangerous are the following:

• poor grooming;
• collar too tight;
• hypothermia or overheating of the animal;
• the use of low-quality detergents that cause allergies;
• bites of blood-sucking insects.

Depending on the presence of certain provoking factors, eczema in adult cats can have several types:

1. Traumatic or periwound eczema is often weeping and occurs as a result of damage to the skin or its external irritation. This could be rubbing the animal’s neck with a tight collar, bites from blood-sucking insects, or severe scratching. After disinfection, healing of wounds and elimination of the source of irritation, the painful process gradually subsides.
2. Neuropathic eczema is an autonomic disorder in the functioning of the nervous system. The peculiarity of the lesions is their symmetrical nature. Associated symptoms include depression or states of agitation, paralysis and paresis of the limbs.
3. Reflex eczema is a consequence of increased susceptibility of the body. It is a secondary reaction and can be triggered by household allergies or problems of internal organs (kidney diseases, gastrointestinal tract diseases, disorders of the endocrine system). Features of the lesions: secondary lesions can occur far from the source of inflammation. The frequency of relapses depends on the number of exacerbations of the primary disease.

Veterinarian treatment

It is very important to collect as detailed an anamnesis as possible, i.e. find out all the nuances and details of the circumstances under which eczema arose, how long it has been there and at what speed it develops. A good specialist always asks a lot of questions. Next, primary treatment of the eczema surface is performed and treatment is prescribed.

Important: therapy in some cases may take more than 3 weeks. You cannot stop treatment at the moment when it visually begins to seem that the skin condition has improved and everything will heal on its own. It won't heal!

• Unscheduled treatments for worms and skin parasites are prescribed. Remove collars, bandages, etc.
• A course of treatment for the underlying disease is prescribed if it is determined that eczema is caused by internal pathologies of organs and their systems.
• If there are signs of internal intoxication, cleansing droppers are prescribed in doses determined by a veterinary specialist: glucose 5%;
• Ringer's or Ringer-Locke solution%
• saline solution with the addition of sodium thiosulfate.

Taking liver medications is indicated:

• hepatoject: maximum dose of 2 to 5 ml per animal, administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly 1-2 times over 5-7 days;
• Covertal: 0.1 ml/kg intramuscularly or subcutaneously for up to 2 weeks;
• hepatovet: 2-3 times a day orally through the mouth, 1-2 ml for 3-5 weeks;
• Legafiton: ½ tablet per day for 3 weeks.

Treatment

Be sure to cut the hair at the affected areas and wash the surface with antiseptic preparations:

• chlorhexidine is an excellent antibacterial drug with a neutral pH that does not cause local burning;
• hydrogen peroxide - used less often, causes a feeling of irritation;
• decoction of chamomile or burdock.

Local ointments

Creams, ointments or sprays are prescribed locally, depending on the nature of the eczema and whether it is dry or weeping. The composition may include glucocorticoids, antimicrobial, antifungal, wound-healing, drying components. The rule “moisten dry, dry dry” works the same as for other wounds. It often happens that during a course you have to change one ointment after another, eliminating the symptoms gradually.

The frequency of application and duration of the course are determined only by the veterinarian, based on what he saw during the examination of the animal. The most common drugs:

• Aluminumspray;
• Chemi spray;
• Zoomekol;
• Safroderm-gel;
• Triderm;
• Vedinol;
• Ranosan or Levomekol;
• natural sea buckthorn or St. John's wort oil.

Cats are prohibited from tar-containing preparations, because Tar is poison for cats!

Oral antibiotics must be prescribed

It has been practically proven that tablet forms of antibacterial drugs help with eczema much more effectively. It is also inconvenient to give injections due to the duration of the course (2-3 weeks). Most often prescribed:

• Sinulox 50: ½ to 2 tablets (12.5 mg/kg) twice a day for 2 weeks;
• Amoxicillin 100: 1/4-1 tab. twice daily (12.5 mg/kg) for 14 days. If necessary, the course is extended to 21 days;
• Ciprofloxacin 250: ¼-1/2 tablet/cat, depending on the size of the individual, twice a day for 2 weeks;
• Erythromycin: 10-20 mg/kg once a day for 14 days.

For almost all eczema, metabolic drugs, immunomodulators and vitamins must be prescribed

With one caveat: for allergies, vitamin preparations are not prescribed, because they themselves can provoke the progression of the disease.

The dosages of the following drugs are the same: 0.5-2 ml per animal, administered subcutaneously 1-2 times a day for 7 days:

• Katozal;
• Gamavit;
• Vitam.

Antipruritic (antihistamine) drugs

Be sure to relieve itching, because... he can be intolerable. In this case, skin injury will not stop. Apply:

• Cetrin: ¼-1/2 tablet. depending on the size of the cat, twice a day for 5-7 days;
• Dexa-Kel: 0.3-1 ml/cat intramuscularly once a week;
• Stop-Itch: 0.25-0.5 ml/animal orally into the mouth in the following course: 4 days full dose, then another 8 days at half the dose.

Sedatives

They are designed to calm the animal and prevent exacerbation of the disease due to nervousness:

• Cat Bayun: 2 ml orally 2-4 times a day for a course of 7 days once a month;
• Stop stress: for every 5 kg of weight ¼ table. orally twice a day for 15-20 days in a row.

Folk remedies

can also help treat eczema, but should not be used without first consulting a veterinarian:

• decoction of willow bark (boil 2 tablespoons of bark in 1 glass of water, simmer for 10 minutes at low boil, cool, strain, rinse the affected surface several times a day);
• infusion of dandelions and burdock roots (2 tablespoons of each ingredient are poured with ½ liter of vodka and infused for 10 days in a dark place: twice a day, gently lubricate the affected areas with cotton wool until the itching subsides);
• homemade celandine ointment (4 parts Vaseline is 1 part finely chopped and ground into a paste of celandine: apply to eczema 2-3 times a day until complete healing and disappearance of all symptoms);
• infusion of currant leaves (a squeeze of dry or fresh currant leaves is poured with two glasses of boiling water, infused for at least 1 hour, filtered: wet wounds are washed several times a day);
• compress of sunflower oil with celery (finely crushed celery root is thoroughly mixed with ordinary, unrefined vegetable oil to a paste and applied to the affected skin 2-3 times a day - excellent for dry lesions).

Dangerous skin diseases of cats

Caused by internal pathologies or quickly progress to the stage of exacerbation, life-threatening.

Demodicosis

Microscopic mites are very active. Poisoning from bites spreads so quickly and abundantly that many cases of death are known.

In a mild form, white pimples with pus, partial baldness, red crusts, scratching and a small rash are noticeable on the skin. Over a long period of time, the cat easily scratches the pustules until they become ulcers, introduces infections and bacteria, becomes very weak, and loses appetite.

Demodicosis in cats

Ostiofolliculitis

Ulcers are located in hair follicles. The hair bag becomes clogged with sebum, becomes inflamed, and a staphylococcal bacillus settles inside the bag. If the disease is not treated at the beginning, it quickly progresses into acute furunculosis and peptic ulcer.

It can be detected by redness around the roots of the hairs, purulent pimples up to the size of a pea, burst blisters with crusts on top. The cat becomes restless and does not allow itself to be petted, as touching causes pain.

Ostiofolliculitis

Abscesses

Inflammation in the form of a soft cyst or lump on the skin. There is a lot of purulent exudate inside it. It starts to smell after it bursts and the liquid leaks onto the skin. The smell is especially pungent and unpleasant. Large abscesses greatly impair immunity. The cat may contract an infection during treatment. Therapy is also not fast. Drains are placed in the burst wound to remove all remaining fluid. We have to use strong antibiotics.

Abscesses on a cat's neck

Malasseziosis

Fungal infection. One of the most difficult to treat skin diseases in cats. Diagnosis is difficult and the course is protracted. Treatment requires heavy drugs that harm the rest of the body.

The characteristic smell gives off mold, spoiled cheese or milk. In the groin, near the back opening, behind the ears, near the mouth, claws and nose, you can find redness, rashes, moisture, and sores. The skin becomes painful, so the animal cannot be handled, hisses, and scratches. Relapses occur frequently and for a long time.

Malasseziasis is one of the most difficult to treat skin diseases in cats.

Ringworm

Pathology of an infectious fungal nature. Kittens and cats with oncology or weakened immunity after viruses are more often susceptible.

Fungal spores can be brought to your pet on street clothes or shoes. Spread occurs through household items and personal contact between animals.

The cat is actively losing hair on its head, limbs and tail. The skin in exposed areas peels, itches, becomes very red and pink. In these areas, pustules and crusts appear, which are easily scratched off with claws to open wounds. The disease can gain momentum for up to 2 years. With this course, the pet quickly weakens, loses weight, stops eating and may die from exhaustion. During this period, it is easiest to become infected with fatal infections, since the body does not have the strength to resist viruses. In severe cases, the ulcers spread to the paw pads and it becomes difficult to move.

Ringworm

Treatment without the participation of a doctor is impossible.

Atopic dermatitis

Chronic allergic reaction of the skin to irritants. The body reacts to dust, mold, pollen, household chemicals, and food with severe itching, rashes, hair loss, and ulcers. The cat will scratch especially a lot on the head, ears, chest, neck, lower abdomen and thighs. Dermatitis is severe and weakens the animal. Ulcers are constant and profuse. It is difficult to select living conditions and food for the safe living of a pet.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic allergic reaction of the skin to irritants

Cushing's syndrome

A rare hormonal disease, a reaction to too high levels of cortisol in the blood. Side effect of pituitary disease, adrenal tumors, injections and oral corticosteroids.

The cat suffers from thinning skin, acne with a small amount of pus. It scratches them off, which can result in difficult-to-heal wounds. The disease causes gluttony, a swollen abdomen, constant thirst, frequent urination, lethargy, muscle weakness, and hair loss.

Treatment is long and difficult. A severe metabolic disorder in the body may occur, leading to exhaustion and diabetes.

Cushing's syndrome is a rare hormonal disease, a reaction to too high levels of cortisol in the blood.

Symptoms of the disease

An attentive owner can recognize the onset of the disease in a cat. It is characterized by special features. This should be a signal to urgently show the animal to a veterinarian.

1. The disease often debuts in young animals, whose age does not exceed 1-2 years.
2. Skin itching, localized on the neck, along the spine or on the muzzle, forces the animal to scratch these places again and again and lick them.
3. The skin on the affected areas is tense and inflamed. By touching it, you can feel a local increase in temperature.
4. The fur here thins out, making it possible to notice the appearance of rashes.
5. In advanced cases, the eczematous rash takes the form of ulcerations or ulcers.
6. The appearance of crusts of dried exudate indicates the beginning of the healing stage.

Allergic skin diseases

Many breeders associate the word “allergy” with a runny nose, watery eyes and other minor troubles. This is partly true, but allergic reactions in practice are much more dangerous. In particular, they are considered the main cause of incurable and deadly diseases, but even in “moderate” cases of pathology, these pathologies can cause a lot of trouble.

Allergic dermatitis

Dermatitis is a pathology accompanied by inflammation of the skin. Accordingly, in this case, the inflammation is caused by a serious allergic reaction.

Firstly, the latter leads to a catastrophic weakening of the skin’s protective mechanisms, which is why it can no longer resist the action of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora.

Secondly, a much worse option is possible: due to increased vascular permeability, lymphocytes begin to migrate en masse into the thickness of the epithelium. This effect is called lymphocytic or neutrophil infiltration and, by the way, it often leads to the development of autoimmune inflammation. Stress factors accelerate and intensify the pathological process.

Symptoms of allergic dermatitis in cats

Unlike “simple” inflammations, the symptoms of which develop over a long period of time, allergies are lightning fast. Just yesterday, your cat could just be itching, and by morning, large areas of her skin would become inflamed. It becomes swollen, turns red, and acquires a slightly “watery” consistency of dense jelly.

Another sign of the allergic nature of the disease is always itching. It is so strong and exhausting that the cat can tear off shreds of skin by scratching it furiously. All this leads not only to the formation of many scratches and even wounds on the skin, but also to its purulent inflammation (due to the ubiquitous pathogenic microflora).

Treatment

First, it is necessary to stop the allergic reaction, which is quite enough to treat mild and unadvanced cases.

The animal is prescribed loading doses of antihistamines (which include the widely used Diphenhydramine).

To prevent the development of secondary bacterial infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed.

To eliminate diffuse areas of inflammation, anti-inflammatory corticosteroids are needed. Their advantage is that they significantly reduce the risk of developing autoimmune pathologies. The most common and effective medication is prednisolone. Its average dose is 0.1 mg per kilogram of live weight (once a day).

Often these drugs have to be used for a long time, several weeks. To shorten the treatment period, it is much more practical to simultaneously administer dexamethasone. This remedy allows you to reduce the dose of corticosteroids and reduce the period of their use.

Milliary dermatitis

One of the varieties of the previous pathology. However, this disease has specific features that make it possible to distinguish it into a separate subsection.

Symptoms

The disease also begins with severe itching and swelling, but edematous phenomena are rare, and instead of them numerous nodular rashes appear on the skin. Hair falls out en masse on the affected areas of the body, and the pet’s resting places are simply littered with it.

Treatment is similar to that for ordinary allergic dermatitis.

Allergic eczema

In many ways, this disease is similar to the previous one, but still it differs in a number of specific aspects, which is why these pathologies should not be considered comprehensively.

Symptoms

• It all starts with an itch.
• Soon, slight redness appears on the skin of the sick animal.
• Red spots turn into ulcers and erosions. They are instantly contaminated with secondary bacterial microflora, resulting in purulent inflammation with itching.
• The inflamed areas are very painful, the sick cat’s condition quickly deteriorates, and he refuses to eat.
• The fur on the affected areas partially falls out and partially sticks together due to pus.
• The skin along the boundaries of healthy and inflamed areas macerates and swells.

Treatment

Similar to the treatment of allergic dermatitis. It differs only in large doses of corticosteroids, the mandatory prescription of large quantities of antihistamines (to quickly relieve itching) and dexamethasone.

Additionally, broad-spectrum antibiotics, without which it will not be possible to cope with bacterial inflammation.

Prevention of skin diseases in cats

Prevention includes the following measures:

• timely treatment of the skin from cutaneous and subcutaneous parasites;
• annual vaccination;
• compliance with hygiene standards;
• proper nutrition;
• regular cleaning of carpets;
• washing floors and toys;
• wearing flea and tick collars;
• inspection of the animal after a walk.

Once a skin disease is detected, the animal must be under constant supervision. It is necessary to give your pet medications in a timely manner, carry out the necessary treatment, and monitor his well-being.

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Diagnosis of eczema

Usually, an examination is enough to make a diagnosis - the doctor identifies dermatitis based on changes in the skin. Additionally, a laboratory visit and the following procedures may be scheduled:

• taking blood tests;
• smear backoscopy to identify the pathogen;
• Ultrasound to determine concomitant diseases.

Typically, the veterinarian makes a diagnosis during the first examination; the diagnosis can be expanded in the chronic form of the pathology. This will help you choose effective therapy.

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