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  #1  
Old February 27th, 2005, 06:57 AM
regularguy regularguy is offline
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cat has cracked paw-pads & scabs on ears

My 5yo maine coon female has suddenly developed a condition that two vets at animal hospitals cannot diagnose. They both did blood tests and found very elevated white counts but nothing else. They gave anti-biotics (orthox 22.7mg).
The cat (Comet) suddenly started to show signs of dry, cracked pads on her paws which also became inflamed. Her ears started to get very dry and crusty on the extremeties. The condition has spread also to her lower jaw. She is loosing the fur in these areas also, but I don't know if it is part of her over grooming the areas. She has to be brought to the food and water and then she hobbles off and hides. even though she is eating almost as much as she normally does, she is loosing weight. Two of her paw-pads have now become infected around the nail and we have been smearing bag-balm then wrapping with gauze to keep moist. There is some improvement in the condition of her ears, but the condition has spread to the other parts of her body as mentioned. We pull scabs (loose from the bag balm) and apply the ointment three times per day.
The vets now wants to do a biopsy for $350 which we cannot afford. This has already cost $300 times two visits, and they are stumped as to a cause.
It seems that this skin condition may be a symptom of an immune difficiency from another disorder(my own guess from reading many forums) but what could it be. Please help. It has been almost three weeks now and I am worried for this cats health.
Thanks
Pete
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  #2  
Old February 27th, 2005, 02:23 PM
Lucky Rescue Lucky Rescue is offline
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Posts: 10,287
So sorry to hear this.

Your cat has been tested and cleared for FIV, and FeLV? What about her spleen - been checked?

This is from Dr.M.Richards, DMV:

"Increases in white blood cell counts occur when infections are present,
when inflammation is present, due to excitement in cats and in some white
blood cell cancers. This is such a broad range of reasons that the meaning
of increased white blood cell counts is not very specific -- it just
indicates a need to look for a problem. The feline leukemia test is a very
good idea, even in a vaccinated cat because it is a potential problem in
almost any illness, but particularly one in which there is an abdominal
tumor. Feline leukemia virus will cause lymphoma cancers in many cats that
are infected with it."

Please let us know how your cat gets along.
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  #3  
Old February 27th, 2005, 07:28 PM
regularguy regularguy is offline
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Dr. Richards,
Thanks for the response. She was checked for FIV & FeLV, but I am not sure about the spleen. I will certainly call Dr. Wolfe tomorrow and ask her. I will post any result at that time.
Thanks
Peter
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  #4  
Old February 27th, 2005, 07:32 PM
regularguy regularguy is offline
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Just realized that the response was from lucky rescue and the quote from Dr. Richards. So thanks to lucky rescue also.
Peter
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  #5  
Old February 27th, 2005, 09:13 PM
Karin Karin is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by regularguy
Just realized that the response was from lucky rescue and the quote from Dr. Richards. So thanks to lucky rescue also.
Peter
Can we keep him PLEASE! Uhmm, Mr.regularguy...Oh....! We have to! Oh Please!

I love this guy! He's polite, honest, not putting on a false face..this guy is true to form...WE NEED HIM!

Welcome aboard Regularguy! Stick around ..please!
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  #6  
Old March 1st, 2005, 01:46 PM
regularguy regularguy is offline
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Well, Dr. Wolfe said that she did in fact check the spleen by feel and recommended that short of a biopsy, a steroid shot should help. So, Comet is scheduled for a shot on wednesday. She also has her anti-biotic script refilled for another week. There is some improvement in her symptoms and she is a lot more alert.
I do want to add that Dr. Wolfe has shown a lot of concern for Comet, and has called us on two occaisions to ask how she is doing.
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  #7  
Old March 1st, 2005, 02:19 PM
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BMDLuver BMDLuver is offline
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oh good

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that Comet is showing some improvement!
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