Cat with Miliary Dermatitis (Allergies)

[Asmegin]

Since February, our 5 year old cat has been getting worse and worse with his miliary dermatitis. He has basically chewed all four legs, as well as the back of his neck. Despite wearing a cone 24/7 and being miserable, he manages to scratch them with the cone and other objects. They are now always bloody and leaking pus.

He has had Corticosteroids, both shots and orally but they don't help. He had a biopsy which the vet said showed it as allergies. The most common allergy is fleas, but we don't think it is as we use Advantage religiously. He is now on a special diet (which he hates) for three months to see if it works.

We've tried casts, small sweaters, dressings etc but they don't help as he just rips them off/chews through them. His legs are now bald, crusty, full of pus and blood. Looks like chewed leather!

Anyways, has anyone every experienced this and have any tips? The cat is super depressed because we can't take off the cone. As soon as we do, he starts ripping his legs apart. He doesn't even answer when you call his name anymore :cry:

[dreamwalker]

This sounds terrible, I have no real suggestions as I'm a new cat owner but best of luck to your kitty. Have you tried seeing an alternate vet?

[Asmegin]

No, we haven't. We've been going to the Renforth Veterinarian Clinic for ever, and we like them. From what we've read online about the problem, it would be one of a hundred of things. We can't blame the vet...yet! Although it is getting costly.

[Lucky Ducky]

Try another vet for the sake of your cat.

The Emergency Vets, downtown branch are great and The Animal Clinic on Mutual is excellent too.

They might have a different perspective, poor cat!

[JACKIE26]

I think its time for you to go and get a second opinion, it could be any number of things causing this, and the poor cat is suffering. From what you describe the wounds are infected, wounds with pus = infection, and the cat needs to be put on antibiotics before the wounds become septic.

Have a look at these links there are tons of different things that could be causing this.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2117&aid=150
http://www.cat-world.com.au/miliary-dermatitis-in-cats
http://www.catsofaustralia.com/miliary-dermatitis-cat.htm
http://www.cat-health-guide.org/feline-miliary-dermatitis.html

I would suggest making an appointment with a Vet Emergency hospital in their day clinic, you will be able to see a specialist, or find a vet pratice that deals exclusively with cats, as they are more apt to have seen this before and have a better idea of steps to follow for diagnosis and most vets that specialize in felines have undergone additional training in medical issues specific to cats.

I have used the Mississauga/Oakville Veterinary Hospital before when our cat was very sick and they were fantastic they saved his life.
http://www.vetemergency.ca/index.html

Here are a couple of clinics that specialize in cats. I have never used either of them so can't give you feedback, but think in your case a vet specializing in cats may be your best bet.

http://baycathospital.com/
http://www.thecatclinic.ca/ (The vet here is a board certified feline specialist, one of only 4 in Canada)