Self-harming cat???

Re: Self-harming cat???

Anonymous — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:11:43 GMT

[quote user="Paula Zurawel"]

Have suggested food allergy but not tested for it. Not thought of stress because she isnt really showing any of the normal signs

[/quote]

Not being funny but surely mutilation is a sign? What would one call 'normal' signs?

Re: Self-harming cat???

Tracey Louise — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:06:28 GMT

[quote user="Paula Zurawel"]

Going back to out better vet tomorrow to see what he says. Seems strange though that she only started doing it after my sisters room-mate and her dog moved out.

[/quote]

I know you said she treats with stronghold every month but did she treat the house when the dog moved out??? If not, could be worth a try, as there could still be fleas in the environment which still have to bite her before they die.

Re: Self-harming cat???

PJ Zurawel — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:01:58 GMT

Have suggested food allergy but not tested for it. Not thought of stress because she isnt really showing any of the normal signs

Re: Self-harming cat???

Anonymous — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:48:07 GMT

[quote user="Paula Zurawel"]

[quote user="StephB"] I would check for fungal and any other underlying problems to do with ears or teeth and try to get a tape sample under a microscope for a peek to see if it's a bacterial or parasite[/quote]

Already done this, everything came back negative for fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections

[/quote]

Food allergy? Have you tried the stress route, Zylkene treatment?

Re: Self-harming cat???

PJ Zurawel — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:39:58 GMT

Already done this, everything came back negative for fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections

Re: Self-harming cat???

PJ Zurawel — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:38:53 GMT

[quote user="Gem Wylde"]

Was wondering what breed of cat she was? We have had a Burmese in our practice with feline orofacial pain syndrome? Quite rare but possible?

[/quote]

Is just a moggy

Re: Self-harming cat???

Anonymous — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:26:24 GMT

Check her ears for inflammation and also check her teeth. Does she wear a collar? have you done any scrapings? or tape samples? careful with the hibi as it can over dry and make matters worse. I would check for fungal and any other underlying problems to do with ears or teeth and try to get a tape sample under a microscope for a peek to see if it's a bacterial or parasite. Maybe trim her nails as well to soften the trauma. hope this helps.

Re: Self-harming cat???

Gem Sprague — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:20:55 GMT

Hi!

Was wondering what breed of cat she was? We have had a Burmese in our practice with feline orofacial pain syndrome? Quite rare but possible?

Gem x

Re: Self-harming cat???

PJ Zurawel — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:48:18 GMT

Yeah heard that a lot which is why we are planning a trip back to the vet

Re: Self-harming cat???

Steph Worsley — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:26:42 GMT

a behaviourist will more than likely say rule out medical conditions first hence me suggesting a derm referral firstly

Re: Self-harming cat???

PJ Zurawel — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:49:59 GMT

Going back to out better vet tomorrow to see what he says. Seems strange though that she only started doing it after my sisters room-mate and her dog moved out.

Re: Self-harming cat???

Steph Worsley — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:32:28 GMT

Personally I'd go to dermatologist first because if they then decide on referral later then the steroids will have to be stopped before the consult as it can mask other problems

Re: Self-harming cat???

Nikki Graef — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:13:46 GMT

I know not an ideal long term drug but have you tried her on steroids? If this stops her from scratching then it probably means shes itchy rather than self traumatising due to behavioural issues.

My mums cat has FAD and still needs depo injections from time to time to break the itch scratch cycle. Usually just being regular with the flea treatment keeps it at bay but occasionally it does flare up.

Re: Self-harming cat???

Steph Worsley — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:17:37 GMT

have you seen any lumps or lesions around the area where she is scratching?

my cat has eosinophilic complex which causes little lumps to appear on her head (no where else) and unfortunately has had to wear a buster collar for the last 5 years but she's fine with it now, tried all sorts of meds, the one that seemed to work caused her to become anorexic (we think) and then go on to have hepatic lipidosis (or it could have been the other way round)

she has had 2 lots of skin tests which came back normal. I would suggest you get a referral to a dermatologist if she's insured or your sister can afford it and they can run all sorts of different tests and recommend different protocols for her