Wounds on cat’s skin have not healed
Dear Dr. Fox: We have two aunts who reside in Missouri. Their sweet adult cat is struggling on a daily basis with some type of skin disorder.
They first noticed the issue back in July 2015. They immediately took “mommy cat” to the vet, and after shaving all of the hair off her back hip/ side, they saw what appeared to be many open ulcers that would ooze pus and blood.
Well, for the past three years, our aunts have continued to nurse “mommy cat” to the best of their ability. There are times when it appears to begin to heal, but then another ulcer opens up and the process begins again. As you can see from the pictures, the poor cat doesn’t appear to be getting better, and we are hoping you can make a suggestion on what this skin disorder is and how it can be treated.
D.S. and E.S., Doylestown,
Pennsylvania
Dear D.S. and E.S.: The photographs that you sent are helpful. My initial impression is possible cat-bite wounds — one reason to always keep cats indoors.
First, the fur all around the edge of any non-healing wound must be shaved or clipped close, since it will interfere with the healing process and carry bacterial infection. Then the lesion should be thoroughly cleaned with normal saline, dried off with a sterile gauze pad, and smeared with honey at the beginning of the day. More than one veterinarian has hailed the healing benefits of honey, especially manuka honey from New Zealand.
At the end of the day, the lesions should be cleaned with saline again and then anointed with aloe vera gel (available in most drug stores). This botanical product also has remarkable healing properties. The next morning, repeat the saline cleanse and honey application.
Have your relatives discuss these options with the cat’s veterinarian. While the honey and aloe will not harm the cat if ingested, if the cat is able to reach and lick the lesions, that could interfere with the healing process. In that case, the cat may have to wear a “lampshade” collar around the neck for a while, which can be removed to allow for eating and drinking.
A fish oil supplement, or two canned sardines a day, may also boost healing processes and skin health.
Write c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106 or email animaldocfox@gmail.com. Visit Dr. Fox’s Web site at www. DrFoxVet.com.