Sores in cats on the head: Diagnosis of the cause
Diagnosis is carried out in a veterinary hospital.
In Moscow, you can contact the veterinary clinics of the network “Your Doctor” or “Bely Klyk”, as well as the Innovative Veterinary Center of the Moscow Veterinary Academy (IVC MBA).
In St. Petersburg, competent specialists will help you at the clinics “Dog and Cat”, “Lucky”, “Your Doctor”.
In Voronezh, we recommend visiting the blades “Eurovet” and “Cat Matroskin”.
To determine the cause, the veterinarian will take the following measures:
- Examination of the animal with thermometry.
- Anamnesis collection (seasonal or not, new carpet at home, flowers, new animal, vaccinations, food, contact with stray animals)
- Detection of antibody titers during an allergic reaction in the laboratory, less pronounced with food allergies (immunoglobulins G. M), more pronounced with allergies to house dust or pollen (immunoglobulins E)
- General blood and urine analysis.
- Blood chemistry.
- Scraping of the epidermis from the affected areas followed by microscopy.
- Sowing material from the lesion (detection of bacteriological contamination).
- Examination of the animal's hair and skin in the rays of a Wood's lamp (spores and mycelium of microsocopic mushrooms glow with a gentle blue light).
- Microscopy of a hair taken from the periphery of the lesion.
- Cultivation of the fungus on nutrient media in a laboratory (material is taken from the center of the lesion and then transferred to nutrient media).
- Microscopy of deep skin scraping (for diagnosis of ectoparasites).
- Analysis of feces for helminthiasis.
Treating scratches at home
If a cat scratches itself until it bleeds, the first step is to treat the wound so that it does not get infected. Regular human ointments are suitable for this.
To avoid further scratching of the skin, the cat should trim its claws and cover the problem area with something (for example, put a special collar or vest on the animal).
If a doctor has diagnosed lichen, the sick animal must be isolated from healthy ones. The fur next to the affected area is shaved off. The affected area is treated with ointments.
If an animal is taking any anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs, they should be stopped for a while so that the body has the strength to cope with the fungus.
The room in which the cat lives, as well as all objects with which it comes into contact, must be disinfected. Treatment of lichen can take quite a long time, but if its initial stages are detected, the animal will fully recover.
A special diet will help overcome food allergies. A product that causes a negative reaction should be excluded from the diet. You can also purchase commercial food for cats prone to allergies.
Atopic dermatitis can also cause itching. This is also an allergic reaction of the cat’s body, but it is impossible to isolate the exact allergen and completely eliminate it. Atopic dermatitis cannot be cured, but with the help of medications, all negative manifestations of allergies can be eliminated.
If a cat is suffering from a bacterial infection, the first step is to use various ointments. If an animal develops ulcers, the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics.
If the disease becomes chronic, the veterinarian takes microbiological tests. This is necessary to prescribe the most effective treatment for this type of bacteria.
When do you need veterinary help?
Often, scratching is almost harmless and does not cause the animal much discomfort. The owner may not even immediately notice that something is wrong with the pet. Problems begin when bacteria get into the wound. In this case, an abscess may form on the skin. In some cases, without timely treatment, the area of scratching may increase.
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If an animal scratches a small wound once, there is no need to sound the alarm. Perhaps the cat just overdid it. The wound should be treated and the pet should be monitored.
In what cases should you take your pet to the veterinarian:
- The cat scratches the same place for a long time until it bleeds.
- The area of scratching increases.
- The wound oozes pus or does not heal.
- Scabs form on the affected area of the skin.
- The cat's hair falls out and bald patches form.
- The animal is constantly itching.
Scratching is often one of the symptoms indicating that the animal is unhealthy. In this case, you should pay attention to the general condition of the cat. You should contact your veterinarian if the following symptoms accompany itching:
- Decreased activity or excessive agitation.
- Increased body temperature.
- Lack of appetite.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
A cat scratches sores on its head: If the cause is an allergic reaction
An allergic reaction is the most common cause of itchy sores on a cat's head. The animal scratches them until they bleed, scabs form, and a secondary infection may develop - then the disease is complicated by bacterial contamination.
The fur may come out in the affected areas, but may not be damaged, only sticking together with a pathological secretion.
Watch the video: Veterinarian advice - Skin diseases in cats and their diagnosis
Sores on a cat's skin: Diagnostic methods
It is not possible for the owner to independently find out the cause of sores on the animal’s skin, since this requires special research methods that are carried out in veterinary clinics.
You can only help the veterinarian find the cause by providing a detailed history of the life and development of the disease in your pet. Therefore, to find the right path, you need to trust an experienced veterinarian.
You can find such specialists in Moscow in veterinary clinics of the network “Your Doctor” or “Bely Klyk”, as well as in the Innovative Veterinary Center of the Moscow Veterinary Academy (IVC MBA).
In St. Petersburg, competent specialists will help you at the clinics “Dog and Cat”, “Lucky”, “Your Doctor”.
In Voronezh, we recommend visiting the blades “Eurovet” and “Cat Matroskin”.
For diagnosis, the veterinarian will carry out the following activities:
- Conducting a general clinical examination with thermometry (the nature and location of skin lesions will help the specialist to suggest a possible cause).
- Collecting anamnesis of life and illness (extremely important when diagnosing allergic reactions).
- General blood and urine analysis.
- Blood chemistry.
- Examination of the coat under the rays of a Wood's lamp (to clarify or exclude fungal infection).
- Microscopy of scraping the epidermis from the affected areas (to clarify or exclude the bacterial or fungal nature of the lesion).
- Sowing swabs from the affected areas onto nutrient media (to clarify the pathogen).
As you can see, the range of diagnostic measures is quite wide, but this is the necessary minimum to determine the cause of the disease.
Watch the video: How to treat a cat’s wound – A veterinarian explains
A cat has a sore on its head: Treatment of an allergic reaction
- Rinse the inflamed areas with hydrogen peroxide (2-3% solution).
- Local lotions against itching, against secondary skin infections - antibiotics and/or antifungal drugs (Levomekol, Fungin).
- To eliminate itching, stop itching, antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil), in severe cases, single or triple use of Prednisolone subcutaneously is possible.
- Hyposensitization: after successful determination of antibodies in the laboratory, injections of serum at weekly intervals for 10 - 12 weeks (this type of treatment is practiced only in some Moscow clinics).
- Eliminating the allergen (changing food to hypoallergenic, removing carpets, flowers, isolating new animals, etc. - depends on which allergen is identified.
- Also, herbal medicine has proven itself to be effective in eliminating itching and relieving inflammation: compresses, baths, washing, wrapping with tinctures or 10-20-5 solutions of calendula, chamomile, echinacea or St. John's wort. Baths with walnut tree leaves. Washing with infusions of horsetail or pansies, decoctions of walnut leaves.
A cat has scabs on its head: If the cause is ectoparasites
The appearance of itchy sores on the head and neck, which animals scratch until they scab, may be caused by infection of the animal with ticks of the species Notoedres cati, Sarcoptes spp. All age groups and all breeds are affected.
It often starts from the outside of the ear and spreads to the head area, later to the body and tail. Severe itching, followed by the appearance of individual pustules, bran-like scales and profuse hair loss.
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Causes
There are many reasons why a cat may develop ulcers on its body. As a rule, these are erosions and ulcers, indicating the presence of quite serious conditions in the body.
Erosions are a kind of defect located in the upper layers of the epidermis. Localized in the area of soft tissues and mucous membranes. The overwhelming majority of erosive changes are caused by mechanical injuries. Erosion on a cat’s neck can develop as a result of scratching against the background of a rash, as well as during maceration (softening) of the upper layers of the dermis located in the folds
The development of erosions on the cat’s stomach is caused by the opening of burst blisters and pustules. A large number of pathologies associated with impaired immune defenses of the body are characterized by bullous and vesicular lesions.
For a long time they remain invisible to the cat's owner, until erosions and ulcers begin to form. They appear in areas without a lot of fur - the belly, the area behind the ears. The erosions are rich red in color, covered with food, and when healing do not form a scar.
It is possible that temporary pigmentation may form at the site of healed erosion. Provoking itching and scratching, erosions turn into ulcerative lesions, accompanied by infection with pathogenic bacterial microflora.
An ulcer, in contrast to erosion, is a deeper damage to the layers of the epidermis, affecting the subcutaneous tissue. Acute ulcerative lesions that arise do not damage the skin deeply enough and have a rounded shape.
Chronic ulcerative lesions are characterized by a different clinical picture. Their edges rise slightly above the surface of the skin and have a dense structure. The base, or in other words, the bottom of the ulcer, can be bleeding or suppurating. Depends on the degree of damage and the microflora that has penetrated the wound surface.
Some deep injuries, such as a perforated ulcer, are characterized by processes of necrosis, as a result of which the affected area is covered with disintegrating skin particles. The causes of ulcers on a cat's body can be due to various factors.
Thus, deep defects arise against the background of infectious diseases of fungal, viral or bacterial etiology, as a result of mechanical injuries, thermal and chemical burns. The cause of skin ulcers can be malignant neoplasms, as well as an allergic reaction (for example, an indolent ulcer).
The main reasons for the development of ulcers on the skin of a cat are:
- Mycotic and bacterial infections - dermatitis resulting from exposure to pathogenic fungal or bacterial microorganisms provoke an inflammatory process, with a further change in structure. The skin becomes rough and areas of peeling are noticeable. The pet begins to itch intensely and bite the affected areas due to a strong sensation of itching. The fur falls out, and in its place areas of alopecia form.
- Dermatitis due to flea bites. Flea dermatitis is represented by a specific reaction of the body to the saliva of blood-sucking parasites - fleas. Most often, sores from flea bites form on the head, stomach and at the root of the tail. If your pet suffers from hypersensitivity to the saliva of parasites, itching occurs throughout the body, causing serious changes. An exhausted animal becomes nervous, quite aggressive, and loses the desire to eat.
- Chemical and physical factors. Mechanical injuries, as well as thermal and chemical burns, provoke deep damage to the skin and its derivatives. Thus, the reasons for the development of a corneal ulcer in a cat are improper eyelash growth, decreased production of tear secretion, and inversion of the eyelids.
- Allergic type reactions. In the clinical practice of veterinarians, dermatoses that develop against the background of a specific reaction of the body are increasingly being diagnosed. An allergy in a cat occurs in response to a foreign protein component, most often entering the body from food. For a long time, when a food allergy develops, the pet does not experience symptoms until the concentration of the allergen increases to the limit. Acute forms of allergic dermatosis are manifested by itching in the area of the cat's paws (especially the pads), severe scratching and swelling of the mucous membranes of the eyelids, lips, and larynx. This condition requires immediate intervention by a veterinarian and assistance to the pet.
- Seborrhea. Disturbance in the functioning of the sebaceous glands provokes the onset of a pathological process that affects the condition of the coat and skin. The pet's skin has peeling, oily scales, the fur is matted and looks unkempt. There may be bumps and growths that emit an unpleasant odor. By scratching the itchy crusts, the animal introduces pathogenic microflora, which as a result provokes the development of ulcerative lesions.
- Pyoderma. Skin diseases resulting from infectious factors. The cause of pyoderma in the frequency of clinical cases is Pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcal infection. In the initial stages of the disease, the animal develops a slight itching sensation on the skin, which becomes horrifying over time. Red lumps appear on the affected skin. Papules that increase in size transform into ulcers, which burst over time and form crusts. Ulcers develop under the crusts, the treatment of which is much more difficult than in the initial stages of the development of the pathology.
- Chronic inflammatory process. Against the background of allergic reactions, constant stress in the animal, infectious diseases and pathologies of internal organs, eczema occurs on the skin. It is seasonal in nature with constant periods of subsidence and exacerbation. There are two types of eczema - dry and wet. It is the wet type of eczema that provokes the development of ulcers on the skin.
- Malignant neoplasms on the skin. Mutations of normal cellular structures of the dermis lead to the development of cancerous tumors. The danger of oncology in the skin area is the long-term absence of characteristic symptoms. Thus, cancer is not diagnosed for a long time due to the similarity of the clinical picture with dermatitis or increased skin pigmentation.
- Viral infections. Ulcers on your pet's body are not only caused by bacteria and fungi. The cause of ulcers under a cat’s tongue and on the oral mucosa is calcivirosis. The pathological process is characterized by an increase in body temperature, hypersalivation (increased salivation), and refusal to eat.
The development of ulcerative lesions on the skin is often not an independent disease, but only a signal from the body about the beginning of a pathological process in internal organs and systems. Thus, ulcers on the body may indicate the development of chronic infections, the appearance of disturbances in the functioning of the myocardium and blood vessels, and problems in the functioning of the hepatorenal system.
Sores on a cat's head: Treatment of tick-borne infestation
- General measures: soak the peels with vegetable oils or liquid paraffin and remove. Disinfect toys, brushes, bowls and other things, wipe the surface with hot water, treat the bed with antiparasitic agents (Bolfo-plus spray, Frontline spray).
- Wash with acaricidal agents (shampoos) 1-2 times a week for 2-4 weeks.
- Treat the affected areas with Aversectin ointment 2 times a day until cured.
- Ivermectin injections subcutaneously for a week.
- To support fur restoration - food supplements with essential amino acids and vitamins (Beafar, AgroVetZashchita ).
- Washing or bathing with infusions of thyme, yarrow, cloves, lavender, ivy, horsetail, pansies, bath with walnut leaves and whey.
- Baths with sulfur-containing preparations or shampoos with tea tree oil 1-2 times a week until improvement.
The cat has sores on its head and hair has come out: If the cause is fungal infections
Mainly kittens, old and weakened animals are susceptible to infection with fungal diseases (the latter include cats after suffering severe infectious diseases, receiving drugs that suppress the immune system, and having a meager feeding ration).
The causative agents are microscopic fungi of the species Microsporum Canis, Microsporum gypseum or the genus Trichophyton. Healthy animals, due to their strong immune system, can be asymptomatic carriers of pathogenic fungal spores for a long time.
Infection occurs when fungal spores come into contact with the fur or skin of an animal from environmental objects or through direct contact with a sick animal. The incubation period (the time from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first signs of the disease) ranges from 1 week to 1 month.
Clinically, fungal infections in cats are practically the same. Most often the head, ears, neck and back of the animal are affected, less often the limbs and abdomen.
The disease begins with hair loss in a limited area, the cat scratches the affected area, the skin is covered with scales and crusts, the lesions tend to merge and grow.
With extensive damage, the general condition of the animal may also suffer: appetite worsens, lethargy or, conversely, aggressiveness appears.
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The cat has itchy sores on its body: Notoedrosis
In addition to Demodex, cats can become infected with mites that cause scabies; its causative agent is the microscopic mite Notoedres cati. Adults of this type of tick, when they come into contact with a pet’s skin, gnaw holes up to two centimeters deep, feeding on blood and skin cells.
Females, getting under the skin, lay eggs and die. After another one and a half to two months, almost the entire surface of the animal’s skin is affected (Not to be confused with ear mites! We have a separate article ).
This causes severe itching, the cat becomes aggressive, stops feeding, weakens and dies after 2-5 months. Owners should also be frightened by the fact that upon contact with an infected animal, human infection occurs.
Fortunately, this type of mite cannot live and reproduce on humans for a long time, so it only causes local allergic reactions in the form of hives and itching. After death or destruction of all individuals, these symptoms disappear on their own.
The disease is most dangerous for weakened individuals, kittens and young animals. They die without timely treatment. Animals become infected through direct contact with already sick animals. Therefore, epidemics of notoedrosis are most common among homeless animals living in groups, in shelters and nurseries.
To diagnose this disease, only a scraping is required. Next, the doctor prescribes treatment. As in the previous case, notoedrosis is treated with the use of Bravetco Spot-On drops.
It is not yet available in all cities, so many veterinary dermatologists still use drugs containing toxic ivermectin. Its use is not always advisable on emaciated and weakened animals, and then drugs based on selamectin can be used.
The safest drug, with the exception of Bravecto Spot-On, is considered to be Advocate drops, sold in almost all veterinary pharmacies.
Watch the video: Veterinarian lifehacks - Skin diseases in cats and their symptoms
The cat has sores on the neck, on the head: Treatment of fungal infections
- Local treatment in the form of ointments. (Yam, Sanoderm).
- Local treatment using Fungin spray.
- Use of the therapeutic vaccine Vakderm, Polivac.
- Bathing with antifungal shampoos once every 3 days for 6 weeks.
- For generalized lesions, antifungal drugs are used orally ( Introconazole , Terbafine).
- Complete balanced feeding.
- Use of vitamin and mineral supplements to feed.
- Avoid scratching and licking (wear a collar).
- In long-haired animals, it is advisable to clip the affected areas.
- Washing with vinegar water and horsetail infusion.
Precautions for fungal infections in domestic cats
The disease is anthropozoonotic – that is, transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa. Children and the elderly, as well as those weakened by other diseases, are most susceptible to infection with the fungus.
Therefore, if there are children, old people or seriously ill people in your house, then of course the most optimal solution would be to isolate the sick animal in another room until it has fully recovered.
If the inhabitants of your apartment are all adults and healthy people, then it will be enough to treat the cat’s skin with ointments, wearing gloves and a mask, carry out daily wet cleaning using antiseptics, iron the fabrics with a hot iron, and wash your hands.
A cat has a bump on its head: Possible causes
If you find a lump on your pet's head, the reasons may be the following:
- Lipoma formation.
- Abscess formation.
- Metastases of a malignant tumor of any organ.
Lipomas are formed from cells of subcutaneous fatty tissue and are benign formations; with trauma they can degenerate into malignant ones. The reliable reason for their formation, however, like all neoplasms, is unknown.
Abscesses can form at the site of an injury, a bite during a fight with other animals when the immune system is weakened and the wound is contaminated, when the animal has access to the street, or its habitat in the apartment is polluted. The cat's scratching and licking of the wound plays an important role.
Since the formation can be a signal of a serious pathology, it is necessary to immediately contact a veterinary clinic.
After the diagnosis, which will necessarily include a tissue biopsy or puncture followed by histological examination, the veterinarian will select the necessary treatment tactics.
Watch the video: Ear mites - How to cure a cat at home
Causes of itching
Owners do not always immediately begin to sound the alarm when they discover scratching on their pet. Often they believe that this is not a very serious problem. If the scratching is minor and the itching does not particularly bother the cat, the owner can completely ignore this problem. But it is worth remembering that many diseases are curable only in the first stages. Therefore, it is important to promptly find out the cause of itching and provide professional help to your pet.
Lichen
This is an extremely contagious fungal disease that is also dangerous for humans. It is easily transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one through short bodily contact, or even through grooming items (combs, nail clippers). Without timely treatment, lichen in dogs, like in cats, can lead to serious consequences for the health of the animal.
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The main symptoms of lichen infection:
- The coat appears unhealthy. A large number of broken hairs.
- Small bald spots appear, which the cat actively scratches. They can be found primarily on the head, neck and paws.
- Hard crusts appear on bald spots.
- Lost fur grows back very slowly.
- Dandruff appears on the skin.
- In the final stages, purulent lesions form.
Skin parasites
Fleas are a very common parasite, especially among cats that have free access to the outdoors. Fleas are quite dangerous, because their bites lead to a decrease in the animal’s immunity. The cat becomes vulnerable to various bacteria and fungi. Flea bites cause severe itching, causing the animal to constantly scratch. Particularly sensitive cats may scratch their skin until it bleeds.
Your cat can also pick up ticks, lice and coccidia. However, the animal does not have to go outside for this. The owner may well bring some parasites with him on shoes and clothes.
The main symptoms of infection with skin parasites:
- deterioration in the appearance of fur;
- severe itching;
- anxiety;
- fleas and ticks can be seen visually if you look closely at the animal’s skin.
A tick bite can lead to quite serious consequences. At the same time, the animal’s temperature may rise, loss of appetite, and decreased activity.
It is best to consult a veterinarian to remove a tick. If the procedure is performed incorrectly, parts of the tick may remain in the animal's skin, which can cause a purulent abscess to form.
Allergy
An allergic reaction can occur completely unexpectedly in any cat. Most often, animals suffer from food allergies. It often manifests itself when changing the diet or adding new foods to it. Food allergies are the easiest to identify and therefore easy to combat.
But when diagnosing non-food allergies, problems can arise. In this case, it is not always possible to determine which allergen caused the body’s negative reaction.
An allergic reaction can be caused by:
- individual food products (often chicken and milk);
- pollen and plant parts;
- flea and tick bites;
- various chemical elements contained in cleaning products and perfumes;
- dust.
Otitis
Otitis of the external ear is a serious disease that can cause many problems for the animal. Infection of the ear canals leads to inflammation. The cat constantly shakes its head and scratches its face until it bleeds.
The main symptoms of otitis in a cat:
- redness of the ear;
- anxiety;
- the cat constantly shakes its head;
- the animal scratches its ears and muzzle;
- increased body temperature;
- In the absence of timely treatment, pus may begin to leak from the auricle.
Worms
Even completely domestic cats are not immune from infection with worms. Parasite eggs can enter the animal's body through raw meat, unwashed hands, clothing, and grass. Infection with helminths leads to decreased immunity and disruption of the body.
The main symptoms of helminth infection:
- Deterioration in the appearance of the coat, scratching.
- Defecation disorder.
- The animal quickly loses weight.
- Itching in the area of the anus, which causes the animal to rub it on the floor and carpets.
- Decline in activity or, conversely, excessive anxiety.
- In advanced cases, severe shortness of breath occurs.
Bacterial diseases
Bacteria and fungi are found in small quantities on the skin of any cat. Usually, they do not cause any problems to the animal. But if the animal gets sick, its immunity is reduced, and the body is weakened, fungi and bacteria begin to actively multiply, which often leads to severe itching and scratching.
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At risk are cats that already suffer from diabetes, allergies, and hyperthyroidism. This problem often occurs in kittens.
One of the most common bacterial infections in cats is pyoderma . Its main symptoms:
- severe itching;
- peeling of the skin;
- Scabs form on the wounds;
- baldness of certain areas of the skin;
- formation of purulent abscesses.
Pyoderma is very dangerous for cats. When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Stress
All animals experience stressful situations differently. For some, moving or even ordinary fear can lead to not entirely adequate reactions. Constant licking of the same places may indicate mental disorders of the animal.
Of course, such a diagnosis can only be made after all other possible causes of itching have been excluded during the diagnostic process. The main symptoms of mental disorders and stress:
- refusal to eat;
- a decrease in activity or, conversely, excessive excitability;
- the animal constantly scratches or licks one place.
Breeds in which this problem most often occurs: Burmese, Orientals, Abyssinian and Siamese cats.
Disruption of hormone production
Disruption of the endocrine system leads to the appearance of various symptoms, including itching and scratching. A number of diseases that cause disruption of hormone production:
- Diabetes.
- Cushing's syndrome.
- Thyroid dysfunction.
Main symptoms:
- Hair loss and bald patches.
- Dryness and flaking of the skin.
- Severe itching and scratching.
A cat has a lump on its head: Treatment options
- If a cat is diagnosed with a lipoma - a benign formation of subcutaneous fatty tissue, then the doctor may decide to leave the animal under observation if the size of the formation is small and does not interfere with it, or if the cat is old or weakened by other diseases. In case of injury to the lipoma, its large size or inconvenient location, as well as in the satisfactory general condition of the pet, a veterinary specialist will perform a surgical operation to remove the tumor.
- Treatment of abscesses can be as follows: surgical opening of the abscess under general anesthesia and sedation of the animal, treatment of the affected area with antiseptic solutions (Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, Fukarcin), application of dressings with antibacterial ointments (Levomekol), administration of antibiotics intramuscularly for a course of 5-7 days (Doxycycline, Enrofloxacin ) for deep and extensive lesions, putting on a collar to prevent self-trauma, isolating the cat from other animals, complete and balanced feeding with soft and semi-liquid food or premium and extra-premium industrial food in the form of pates, vitamin therapy ( Gamavit , Hemobalance).
- If metastases are detected, the veterinarian will suggest palliative therapy or euthanasia of the animal for humane reasons.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of an ulcer in a cat is carried out on the basis of a comprehensive study, including the animal’s history, dermatological examination (scrapings of deep damaged skin), clinical and biochemical blood tests.
When contacting a veterinarian, the owner must tell as clearly as possible about the characteristics of the ulcer that has arisen (itching, recent pathological effects, chemical or thermal damage). Perhaps the pet was in contact with alkalis or acids.
At the first stages of diagnosis, cells are collected from the patient from the affected area. The further cytology makes it possible to determine possible cell changes - neoplasia. To collect biological material, it is recommended to select the least damaged areas. Before collecting material, the doctor cleans the affected area of purulent masses and necrotic changes. Next, the tissue is scraped off until bloody discharge appears from the capillaries.
Blood tests performed to diagnose the cause of ulcerative skin lesions are interpreted depending on the results obtained. Thus, an increased number of white blood cells in a blood test indicates the presence of a viral infection. Leukocytosis of the eosinophilic type indicates the presence of an allergic reaction to the bites of blood-sucking parasites, immune diseases (Jacobson's ulcer), food allergies, mastocytoma.
A biochemical blood test is necessary in the diagnosis of ulcers to differentiate and determine possible other diseases. Thus, blood biochemistry makes it possible to exclude the presence of diabetes mellitus in a cat and to determine possible disturbances in the functioning of the hepatorenal system. These tests are necessary, because the presence of problems in the liver, pancreas or kidneys requires adjustment of the treatment regimen and exclusion of most drugs widely used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of skin ulcers.
Sores in cats on the head: Methods of prevention
- Avoid contact with street animals
- Complete balanced feeding
- Carrying out regular veterinary examinations and vaccinations
- Avoid contact with stray cats and dogs.
- Castration of males.
- Maintaining the hygiene of the cat’s habitat: regularly changing the tray, washing the bowl, cleaning the room.
- To maintain the animal’s immunity, use vitamin and mineral supplements from Beafar and AgroVetZashchita.
- Regular treatment of cats against ecto- and endoparasites.
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