? Weird skin spot and eye gloop - high BGs

[Figaro's Liz]

Figaro has developed a little red spot right above his eye (pic). I'm alarmed because leading up to his hospitalization and diagnosis, he had a similar thing. The vet was stumped then.

He also has some gloop in his left eye. I wiped it off and it was clear, almost like gel.

Just wondering of this rings a bell for anyone?

His BGs have been high, in the 400s on the Alphatrak.

 

[FurBabiesMama]

Could be an allergic reaction to something.

 

[Chachi's Mom]

You may want to mention to the doctor to be sure of course but there is something called Feline Herpes Virus that is supposedly common in shelters, rescues and ferals. It is not contagious to humans or dogs but it is contagious to other cats. If it is in the eye it could become serious. It is treatable but just like the human kind no cure available yet. FHV-1 and FVR https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_feline_rhinotracheitis or https://pets.webmd.com/cats/feline-herpes-symptoms-treatment#1

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Just wanted to clarify it's above the eye and not in the eye. It's odd the other eye has a discharge. Any nasal discharge?
I'm usually not an alarmist about these things but years ago I waited one day too long and Elmo lost the use of one eye. We never did know why and he was not diabetic.

 

[Figaro's Liz]

Just wanted to clarify it's above the eye and not in the eye. It's odd the other eye has a discharge. Any nasal discharge?
I'm usually not an alarmist about these things but years ago I waited one day too long and Elmo lost the use of one eye. We never did know why and he was not diabetic.

Yes, the skin above the eye. Not actually in the eye. I've noticed he's been scratching at both sides of his forehead since I made my post. No nasal discharge that I have noticed. Thank you for sharing your experience with Elmo! There are so many unusual things with cat health...

I have been continuing to read up on this and have seen posts that dry/flaky skin is a symptom of unregulated feline diabetes. Since he's been high (and certainly is NOT regulated yet...) I'm wondering whether, as his numbers come down, the problem may subside. I'll keep an eye on it and of course will ask the vet next time we see her.

 

[CandyH & Catcat]

Catcat when diagnosed, had a bad case of "dandruff" and white skin flakes all over his back -- changing to canned food helped, but I've also been adding a splash of extra virgin olive oil to his main meals -- flakes all gone now -- he's also been getting dried sardines as treats, those also contain both omega 3s and omega 6s, which help with dry skin

 

[FurBabiesMama]

I've noticed he's been scratching at both sides of his forehead since I made my post

When I saw your photo, that little red dot looked just like a tiny scratch from an itchy cat. This really sounds like an allergy/sensitivity to me. Have you changed foods recently? Even if you have not, they can develop allergies to things they were not previously allergic to. They can also be allergic to things other than food, but food seems to often be the culprit.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

If it's not the eye itself and there's nothing unusual nasal wise I'd look or think about allergies. We share so much with them including new allergies; different soap or dryer sheets in the laundry is on you, the bed, their towels/blankies. All the crap in the air you see in the right light that slowly settles on their food and water. That gets complicated so fast you'll almost wish it was something else. Are there other cats in the house? Could he have been nicked play fighting and gotten some dander right around the same time?
Let's keep it simple for now and try this. A little hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip and apply some pressure to the spot as if it were a wound. Any pain or discharge? Try and clean his eyes with a damp paper towel and don't use the same towel on both eyes. The eyes, ears, nose and throat are more connected than you think. Check for any tenderness or swelling, he may have pawed at something that annoyed him and spread it around.
This is what you definitely do not want to see. Elmo had failing kidney and liver issues his last few years and one day this happened. It happened very fast and we never did find out what it was. That doesn't sound at all like Figaro. I think Candy (post#6) has a good idea too, it can't hurt to try.

 

[Figaro's Liz]

When I saw your photo, that little red dot looked just like a tiny scratch from an itchy cat. This really sounds like an allergy/sensitivity to me. Have you changed foods recently? Even if you have not, they can develop allergies to things they were not previously allergic to. They can also be allergic to things other than food, but food seems to often be the culprit.

Thanks, I have wondered about an allergy. He is eating the same wet food he has always eaten, but in a higher quantity now that I've eliminated his dry food. I've read some cats develop poultry allergies (he's almost always eaten chicken) so I may need to try a switch as an experiment.
I first noticed the change after our move to a new home, and its certainly possible he is allergic to some residual something or other the previous residents left behind... we had the carpets cleaned, but it's an old house.