Skin Problems In Pets -- When To Go To The Vet

 

Pets can get itchy sometimes but when persistent itching interferes with your pet’s normal activities or is causing skin problems like sores, skin redness, undesirable odor, hair loss, etc. it’s time to get your pet to your vet. Repeated scratching at the same spot can eventually cause breaks in the skin and irritation which can increase your pet’s chance of getting an infection. If your pet is persistently licking, chewing, biting, or scratching, a visit to your vet can help identify what is causing the intense itching so appropriate treatment can be given as soon as possible. The itching and scratching can have a negative impact on your pet’s quality of life. The quicker the underlying cause is identified and treated, the better it will be for your pet. 

At the professional veterinary clinic Carolina Forest SC, your pet will undergo a thorough examination. Be prepared to answer questions about your pet’s medical history. Your vet will likely recommend further tests to check for the presence of mites, yeast, or bacteria.

Idiopathic Facial Pruritus In Persian Cats

A severe form of feline acne, known as idiopathic facial pruritus, affects Persian cats. The skin and hair coat of affected cats have a black waxy material, showing a symmetrical pattern on the face, especially around the cat’s eyes and chin.

The treatment of feline acne involves the removal of excessive amounts of sebum to prevent formation of comedones and secondary bacterial invasion. Your veterinarian may recommend an antibacterial wash that contains chlorhexidine as an active ingredient. This treatment may be enough for mild cases, but if t here is evidence of secondary infection, your veterinarian may deem it necessary to start antibiotic therapy or fungal medication, depending on the result of bacterial culture and sensitivity tests. Be sure to follow the instructions of your veterinarian Carolina Forest, SC regarding the dosage and length of treatment. Steroids may be needed for short-term treatment in severe cases of feline acne to reduce the inflammation.

Most Common Types Of Cancer In Cats

Most forms of cancer in cats tend to have a better prognosis with early detection and medical intervention. Although cancer is not as common in cats as in dogs, it can be serious and life-threatening. There are 3 common types of cancer in cats—squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, and fibrosarcoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma

This usually develops in the nose, ears, eyelids and in other areas of the body with little or no hair. More cases are seen in white cats living in sunny regions. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for SCC and cats diagnosed with the problem often have a poor prognosis.

Lymphoma

Among the different forms of cancer in cats, lymphoma is the most commonly recorded. It is a cancer that affects the blood and causes proliferation of white blood cells. The organs that are commonly affected by lymphoma include the intestines, kidneys, nasal cavity, liver, and lymph nodes of cats. It has been demonstrated that the feline leukemia virus (FLV) vaccine can help prevent lymphoma in cats thus it is recommended to have your pet vaccinated against FLV.  Talk to your veterinarian Carolina Forest, SC about it. Cats that undergo chemotherapy tend to go into remission.

Fibrosarcoma

Feline fibrosarcoma has gained popularity because it is a known potential reaction of vaccination and other types of infection. It usually develops in a site where the vaccine or medication has been injected that is why it’s also known as “feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS)”. Depending on the extent and severity, treatment may include surgery, radiation treatment, and/or chemotherapy.