Cat with a sore on his neck.
#1
05-17-13, 05:24 PM
Cat with a sore on his neck.
My 1+ y/o male has a spot on his neck that he keeps scratching. I felt it 2-3 days ago but assumed it was just a scab from a scratch incurred when he wrestles around with our 3 y/o female. That's happened more than a few times.
Looked yesterday when I saw him scratching and it was about nickle sized...and red and raw looking. Put some antibiotic ointment on it twice yesterday, hoping that would help. Saw him scratching it today and it's now about quarter sized and he just keeps going at it. Put some anti-itch cortizone cream on and kept him distracted for 10 min, wiped the cream off then put more antibiotic on.
Not a deep would or anything...imagine a kid who scratch a poison ivy rash raw...that's pretty much it.
Of course it's a 3 day weekend so no chance of a vet til Tues...and I have jury selection that day.
Any suggestions other than keep it clean and keep applying ointment?
Looked yesterday when I saw him scratching and it was about nickle sized...and red and raw looking. Put some antibiotic ointment on it twice yesterday, hoping that would help. Saw him scratching it today and it's now about quarter sized and he just keeps going at it. Put some anti-itch cortizone cream on and kept him distracted for 10 min, wiped the cream off then put more antibiotic on.
Not a deep would or anything...imagine a kid who scratch a poison ivy rash raw...that's pretty much it.
Of course it's a 3 day weekend so no chance of a vet til Tues...and I have jury selection that day.
Any suggestions other than keep it clean and keep applying ointment?
#2
05-18-13, 12:15 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Vic,
You say it's on his neck, but not where. If it's behind his ears, he could be scratching at mites. If it's on his lower neck, it could be a reaction to his food dish (if plastic).
If it's on the neck behind the ears, it's common thing for cats with ear mites. If he's got any black/dark brown stuff in his ears, it's ear mites.
If it's on his neck below his chin, and you use plastic dishes to feed or water, I would change to stainless or glass. Many cats and dogs react badly to plastics.
For wound care, the anti-biotic ointment is all I would suggest, but if it's getting bigger, it may be time for a trip to the vet just to be sure.
You say it's on his neck, but not where. If it's behind his ears, he could be scratching at mites. If it's on his lower neck, it could be a reaction to his food dish (if plastic).
If it's on the neck behind the ears, it's common thing for cats with ear mites. If he's got any black/dark brown stuff in his ears, it's ear mites.
If it's on his neck below his chin, and you use plastic dishes to feed or water, I would change to stainless or glass. Many cats and dogs react badly to plastics.
For wound care, the anti-biotic ointment is all I would suggest, but if it's getting bigger, it may be time for a trip to the vet just to be sure.
#3
05-18-13, 04:54 AM
Group Moderator
Scratches from other cats can get infected pretty easily due to bacteria on their claws. One time our cat had a big (quarter sized) puss bubble that we drained that was caused by fighting with our other cat.
I'm sure it would help if he could just leave it alone. Kind of like a pet that keeps licking a wound. I know they sell cones at the pet store. It might help to keep him from scratching that area.
I'm sure it would help if he could just leave it alone. Kind of like a pet that keeps licking a wound. I know they sell cones at the pet store. It might help to keep him from scratching that area.
#4
05-18-13, 06:02 AM
Group Moderator
#5
05-18-13, 06:33 AM
I should have been more clear....it's on the left side of his neck prob about 1/2 way between the back of his jaw and the top of his shoulderblade. On a person if would be right about where you can feel your own pulse.
No mites...total inside cat (if that matters) and I know what those symptoms are like. No digging in and around the ears and no black stuff in his ears...except his hair.
Though we do use very shallow plastic bowls for the wet food at breakfast and dinner, they get picked up right after the meal and we know what that irritation looks like. We were using a deeper plastic bowl for dry food til about 2 years ago and our old man got the sores under his chin. Replaced with ceramic and no re-occurance.
Pretty sure its not infected or anything...not swollen or hot. Like I said...more like an abrasion than a wound.
Thought about a cone...but I think it would rub right on the sore and he would still be able to scratch with his hind leg like he's been doing. It would probably put him right over the edge to full psycho cat as well I think.
Vet is on the schedule if no improvement, but we've only been treating for 2 days. Only one open weekends (maybe...not sure on this particular weekend) and their Sat rate is something like $140 just for the initial visit...ouch!
Would the anti-itch hurt do you think? I know with the anti-biotic theres a chance that he could get diarrhea from ingesting it...and least I think there is? Not that we'll stop using it. Just thought maybe if it didn't itch he wouldn't scratch as much.
No mites...total inside cat (if that matters) and I know what those symptoms are like. No digging in and around the ears and no black stuff in his ears...except his hair.
Though we do use very shallow plastic bowls for the wet food at breakfast and dinner, they get picked up right after the meal and we know what that irritation looks like. We were using a deeper plastic bowl for dry food til about 2 years ago and our old man got the sores under his chin. Replaced with ceramic and no re-occurance.
Pretty sure its not infected or anything...not swollen or hot. Like I said...more like an abrasion than a wound.
Thought about a cone...but I think it would rub right on the sore and he would still be able to scratch with his hind leg like he's been doing. It would probably put him right over the edge to full psycho cat as well I think.
Vet is on the schedule if no improvement, but we've only been treating for 2 days. Only one open weekends (maybe...not sure on this particular weekend) and their Sat rate is something like $140 just for the initial visit...ouch!
Would the anti-itch hurt do you think? I know with the anti-biotic theres a chance that he could get diarrhea from ingesting it...and least I think there is? Not that we'll stop using it. Just thought maybe if it didn't itch he wouldn't scratch as much.
#6
05-18-13, 04:10 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Vic,
Now that I know the above info...
Keep on with the antibiotic. You can try the anti-itch, but without knowing exactly the ingredients, I can't cross check my Merck. (Vet manual). No chance of diarrhea from topical, that is mainly internal, and probiotics usually can keep that in check. Keep it clean and try to discourage him from messing with it is the best course of action from all the info you've given.
Obviously if it gets terribly worse, OR he stops eating, drinking, peeing/pooping, all bets are off and get him to the vet ASAP!
Now that I know the above info...
Keep on with the antibiotic. You can try the anti-itch, but without knowing exactly the ingredients, I can't cross check my Merck. (Vet manual). No chance of diarrhea from topical, that is mainly internal, and probiotics usually can keep that in check. Keep it clean and try to discourage him from messing with it is the best course of action from all the info you've given.
Obviously if it gets terribly worse, OR he stops eating, drinking, peeing/pooping, all bets are off and get him to the vet ASAP!
