? Cat Hot Spot/Skin - Question Regarding Safe Products

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Erica & Carter

Erica & Carter

Member Since 2016
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Hey everyone,

As I've mentioned a few weeks ago Carter had what appeared to be a hotspot on his belly that he had been licking and making raw. It wasn't oozing, more or less kind of shiney but it was dry and it looked like he had licked the fur away from it as well.

Well, I shaved that area down and applied the Vetericyn I already had on hand, and after a few days it eventually healed. Then then I noticed a smaller red area in another part of the area I had already shaved, and applied to Vetericyn to that, same deal, went away after a few days. None of these areas bother him to touch.

Now he's licking this current area, which is the largest so far. I just started applying the Vetericyn but he also has little dark brown/black flecks on his skin, that don't come off when rubbed. In the picture it looks really red but its not that red in real life, I had just poured water on the area.

Normally I would think flea dirt but I did the "water" test and they did not turn red/pink in colour. All my cats are indoor only and treated with Revolution monthly, and my dog is treated with Trifexis monthly. Never had a flea issue. I've examined his skin and found no fleas or any of these flecks anywhere else except on his stomach.

I did some research where several people people said that these black spots can be particles of hardened skin oils which have come to the surface of the skin, typically seen in cats with white/light fur as extra melanin in the skin. But sometimes this can be triggered by something else going on in the body, such as hypothyroid, diabetes, etc. Which would make sense, he only started having this issue around diagnosis.

I don't believe it is a food issue as this started when he was on the Tiki Cat/BFF which didn't have any major allergen flags in their very limited formulas.

I mentioned this to my vet and she chalked it up to seasonal allergies so I don't think she would be much help further with this.

I was looking at a couple products on Amazon and I know someone previously had suggested aloe vera but I'm not sure what is diabetic friendly, or if any of you have used anything like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Effectively-I...ngles/dp/B01E03WOCE?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20

http://www.amazon.com/ResQ-Organics-Pet-Skin-Treatment/dp/B00RJ564UE?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20

http://www.amazon.com/Zymox-Topical...Ounce/dp/B001K35IW6?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20

http://www.amazon.com/Corigem-Serum-Spray-Antiseptic-Antifungal/dp/B01BCNANVE/ref=sr_1_7?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1463075884&sr=1-7&keywords=cat dermatitis treatment

http://www.amazon.com/Davis-Oatmeal-Aloe-Shampoo-12-Ounce/dp/B0078LOU1Y/ref=sr_1_12?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1463075884&sr=1-12&keywords=cat dermatitis treatment
 
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Larry and Kitties said:
Have you discussed with your vet using an over-the-counter antihistamine like CHLORPHENIRAMINE or DIPHENHYDRAMINE?
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She basically said it was an allergy that would clear up on it's own. Did not recommend any medication. I'm trying to find a new vet overall but two I looked into (specifically for diabetes treatment) are about 30 minutes away by car and I share a car wheneever their hours of operation are so I'm struggling to get any good advise without physically being able to come in for a consult.

I was reading about Chlorpheniramine and saw some mixed reviews but that the starting dose for cats was 1/4 - 1/2 tablet every 8-12 hours. I'm just wondering if it would be advisable to start an OTC medication out of the blue however many people (after reading) bought a bottle and followed the directions for dosing and had no issue. He doesn't seem irritated by this, I don't see his constantly scratching or itching, I don't even see him licking it but obviously he must be to a certain degree.

With Diphenhydramine, I believe it's not recommended with cats that have urinary blockage. Carter has had crystals in the past, not sure if that would affect him in the same way?
 
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Can you talk to your old vet about trying Chlorpheniramine?
A new vet can't legally give advice unless they have a vet-client relationship and that typically requires a vet visit.
 
Larry and Kitties said:
Can you talk to your old vet about trying Chlorpheniramine?
A new vet can't legally give advice unless they have a vet-client relationship and that typically requires a vet visit.
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I just spoke with the tech that relayed via the Dr. that I could try it, on the lower end of 1/4 tab once a day and increase to BID if doesn't clear up but because it's a fairly small area she feels like it would clear up pretty quickly.

However I'm still no clearer to knowing what those brown/black specs are in his skin in that one specific area. :eek:

Does Chlorpheniramine have good results for skin? I know a lot of people who posted using said it was for like running nose, sneezing, etc.
 
Saoirse developed a hot spot after grooming herself raw where she had a skin tag removed recently. Topical steroid/antibiotic gel hurt her when I put it on. A couple of members here suggested applying raw, extra virgin, organic coconut oil on the hot spot. The oil has helped Saoirse; the inflammation has gone down, the soreness reduced quite quickly, and the area is healing. I've also had to put Saoirse into a little surgical recovery suit (somewhat modified with judicious use of scissors) to stop her worrying at the spot. She's not overjoyed about wearing her little t-shirt but at least it spares her the Cone of Shame Blues (makes her really depressed).

I have given Saoirse Piriton (chlorphenamine) but it was for sneezing, not skin problems. That said, Saoirse does have food sensitivities (formally diagnosed) and the Piriton seemed to help with that (much more comfortable after eating). I've no idea how it might work for skin allergies, though. (For general info, Piriton is a vasoconstrictor so not good for cats with hypertension; I had to stop giving it to Saoirse.)


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
Saoirse developed a hot spot after grooming herself raw where she had a skin tag removed recently. Topical steroid/antibiotic gel hurt her when I put it on. A couple of members here suggested applying raw, extra virgin, organic coconut oil on the hot spot. The oil has helped Saoirse; the inflammation has gone down, the soreness reduced quite quickly, and the area is healing. I've also had to put Saoirse into a little surgical recovery suit (somewhat modified with judicious use of scissors) to stop her worrying at the spot. She's not overjoyed about wearing her little t-shirt but at least it spares her the Cone of Shame Blues (makes her really depressed).

I have given Saoirse Piriton (chlorphenamine) but it was for sneezing, not skin problems. That said, Saoirse does have food sensitivities (formally diagnosed) and the Piriton seemed to help with that (much more comfortable after eating). I've no idea how it might work for skin allergies, though. (For general info, Piriton is a vasoconstrictor so not good for cats with hypertension; I had to stop giving it to Saoirse.)


Mogs
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Hm I never thought of that. I assume it isn't toxic to cats? And is diabetic safe?
 
I discussed it with my vet before giving it and he said it was OK but I'd suggest you do similar before trying it. Saoirse hasn't been able to get at the area where I apply it so there hasn't been any real chance for her to ingest it. Her BG numbers don't seem to have been adversely affected by it.


Mogs
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Erica & Carter said:
As I've mentioned a few weeks ago Carter had what appeared to be a hotspot on his belly that he had been licking and making raw. It wasn't oozing, more or less kind of shiney but it was dry and it looked like he had licked the fur away from it as well.
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Do you think it was oily?
Erica & Carter said:
but he also has little dark brown/black flecks on his skin, that don't come off when rubbed.
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Any chance this could be ecchymosis? Tiny pin point bruises.

How is Carter's weight? How is his muscle tone? Does he have a belly?

Sorry no ideas on how to treat the skin - just doing some digging on the causes.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Do you think it was oily?

Any chance this could be ecchymosis? Tiny pin point bruises.

How is Carter's weight? How is his muscle tone? Does he have a belly?

Sorry no ideas on how to treat the skin - just doing some digging on the causes.
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Not oily, it's usually just shiney like it looks like it would be wet but it's not, like if I went to touch it has already scabbed over.

I looked that up and I don't think that could be it based on all of the other issues that go along with it Carter doesn't seem to have. I couldn't find any pictures that resembled the little flecks on him, only bigger bruises.

I'm ordering a baby scale on Friday to get an accurate amount on his weight. He's still overweight, but I believe he's lost weight since starting a canned diet. He has a belly, for sure. Even though he is looking leaner his belly is still there.
 
Saoirse's skin is healing well after the coconut oil treatment. Still scabby - but they're lifting gradually. Only gave it for a few days to sooth the inflammation. Leaving the area alone now to allow the scabs to dry out and fall off.


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
Saoirse's skin is healing well after the coconut oil treatment. Still scabby - but they're lifing gradually. Only gave it for a few days to sooth the inflammation. Leaving the area alone now to allow the scabs to dry out and fall off.


Mogs
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I bought some the other day but he hasn't had any sore spots for me to use it lol the most recent one healed.
 
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