Leg Bumps
My cat
Mickie has these sore like bumps on his forearm. The vet said it is
probably an allergy. After the antibiotics and shots wore off they
returned and now there is three more of them. I've tried to change
litters and he was ok with all of them, do you think he could be allergic
to a specific food with dyes or something. I was to have allergy testing
done but it's so expensive for me. I have this cream from the vet
that I put on twice a day and it seems to help some what but he totally
goes nuts when I put it on. He has licked the area bald and he is only
over a year old. What should I do? Do you recommend a special food to
try? He loves his dry and canned food. My other cat has no problems at
all with anything like this, and neither does his blood brother. What do
you think it could be, and what do you think I should i try to help him
get this gone. He's always so lovable and follows me wherever I go.
If he doesn't see me or sleep by me he cries. I'm afraid to loose
him.
The source of the bumps needs to be investigated. First, we should determine the general category of the ailment: is it an allergy, insect bite, trauma, irritation, infection or wound. Then, we can analyze all the possible causes within the category to determine the cause. Then, treatment is easy. Allergies occur spontaneously, can appear anywhere on the body, and are red bumps that rise from within the skin. Allergic bumps, or urticaria, usually arise suddenly, and are numerous. Insect or mite bites are more localized, rise slower than allergies, and are fewer in number. Skin infections, either viral, bacterial or fungal present in quite a variety of ways, from pustules to severely infected, oozing sores. Certain diagnostic tests, such as a skin scraping for mites, checking for fleas, a complete blood count test to see if allergy or infection fighting white blood cells are elevated, and fungal cultures of hairs may be necessary if a close physical and microscopic examination are unable to determine the cause.
The most common causes which come to mind include simple staph infections on cats who lick their forelegs in boredom, and flea bites. Generalized allergies to food and environment are less likely, due to the localized, intermittant, small number of bumps.
Sometimes a complete treatment plan, including anti-allergy oral medication, antibiotics and medicated bathes help problems, bypassing the diagnostic phase. The problem doesn't sound life threatening, so I wouldn't be too afraid of loosing him to these skin bumps.
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