Flea treatment – again!

[admin]

Thank you all. I’ve been looking into shampoos and wipes, and the earth. I’m getting a bit worried now. I’ve just found Mable is losing more and more fur since I last treated her for fleas, about 3 weeks ago. Yesterday I found a 1cm patch, dry and scaly. Just now I’ve found a big patch on her loin, about 3-4cm diameter with no fur, and it is red raw. I’ve prepared a chlorhexidine wash but she can smell it and I can’t get near her. Before, it was not bothering her, but this patch is obviously painful.

I will of course take her to the vet as soon as I can, but it’s almost midnight here and I’m trying not to panic. She has been quite sleepy this evening, but it was a hot day.

My biggest worry is that she is developing a serious allergy to something, and I know it’s different but I am wondering if any of your dogs have had any sudden reactions like this? I am sure you can read my thoughts re: allergies, auto-immunity etc etc.

Thank you in advance. Paranoid pet owner here!

Mary and Mable xxx

[admin]

Mable and I are just back from the vet, where she’s had a shot of dexamethasone and then will start a week of pred :( Vet thinks it’s a skin allergy, although could be an infection or something else. She says to continue with the same flea treatment, even though that’s where the first bald patch appeared. The difference with the new patch is that it’s red and sore.

I agree it’s likely to be an allergy, and it is seasonal. It’s been happening for the past 3-4 years, only in the summer, but much worse this year. This is why I don’t understand how it can be a flea allergy. Vet says it’s mild at the moment and no indication for now to investigate further. She did explain that it can be a flea allergy even if she does not have fleas, as a flea would only have to bite her (before it dies) for the reaction to occur. I’m confused about the seasonal aspect though.

I explained to the vet that Mable’s sister had non-regenerative IMHA, and so anything immunological worries me a lot. Vet did not seem to think this a concern (they never do) . Pretty much gutted to have another cat on pred, but it’s a much lower dose and if it helps, of course I will give it. Hopefully she won’t need it for long.

Really sorry for long post, but most people don’t understand these things. If anyone has any thoughts on this seasonal allergy business, I’d love to hear them.

Much love,

Mary and poor little patchy Mable x

[admin]

Oh Mary,

I’m so sorry – I’ve never had this problem – I only use Frontline Combo on my two & haven’t had a problem so far. I also rub a tiny bit of citronella oil on my hands, then rub a very small amount on their necks, where they can’t possible lick it. That helps keep these horrible biting flies we have here away from them. Not much help from me then really!

Poor little soul – that patch is really not good & I hate hearing about raw sore areas too -I agree with you that it’s most likely to be the treatment you are using. I don’t believe in coincidences. That vet will go home & look up that strange IMHA scenario you mentioned, then think, “oh well, I’ll probably never see a case of that, will I?” That doesn’t help our paranoia at all, sadly.

Did you look further at the Brewer’s Yeast Lynn mentioned? Why not try it as a topical application, not as a tablet. I thought that looked like a hopeful idea – can’t really lose there either.

Don’t worry about the dexa & pred as it’s only for a little while – the best option in the circumstances, but you need to find another flea treatment for sure. (How about asking our lovely Theresa via the Cat’s Protection League for ideas?)

I’m so sorry I can’t think of any other inspirational ideas – damn those fleas & ticks – I know they must exist for a “purpose” – but to me, the “purpose” is to make our pets ill or at least irritate them beyond belief.
How about a look at these – there seem to be some novel ideas & brewers yeast is mentioned too:
http://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/parasites/8-natural-methods-for-controlling-fleas-on-cats
http://www.azvets.com/home-remedies-fleas-cats/
http://eartheasy.com/live_natural_flea_control.html

I hope you can get these pesky things under control & poor Mable will soon be more comfortable & non-itchy/sore. Give her an extra prawn from me – at least it will take her mind off those irritated bits!

Love Sheena & the boys xxxxx

[admin]

Hi Sheena

Thank you so much for your reply. I’ve started looking into seasonal allergies which makes me feel is unlikely to be a flea allergy, but perhaps some sort of pollen or grass. I’m not convinced she’s allergic to the flea treatment, but that’s definitely where the first patch appeared, and like you I’m not convinced it’s a coincidence.

I have started looking at the Brewers yeast which does seem like a good option. I’m just trying to verify that it’s safe for cats (apparently Bakers Yeast is not safe). As you said, I don’t want to give her a tablet but I think it might be ok to rub into her fur, once the current issue has (hopefully) cleared up. The diatomaceous earth also seems like it might help. Do you think Theresa would mind me contacting her? I can ask the vet, but they are generally more interested in the mainstream products, and I just want to verify the safety as cats are so notoriously sensitive.

You are so right about the rarity of IMHA – that’s exactly how I feel. I’m so tired with saying that yes, I know it’s rare, but her sister had it. There was one vet who “got it” completely, but it’s a large practice and we rarely see the same person. On the whole, they are very good though, thank goodness.

Thank you so much for the links which I will read this evening. I also need to figure out how on earth to get prednisolone into her!

Thanks again,

Mary & Mable x

[lynn]

hi everyone … I looked up the flea treats that sounds healthy …and, not only would it take care of flea’s those pests… but would it not calm your baby and also a beautiful coat … great value in one treat or two depending on fur babies size .sure would be safe.. I do not like the use of chems on my baby. but I don’t have problems with flea’s but going to the vet no worry because they would stay away,huh. my worry are those dangerous ticks in my area… so far we are good not any in sight.

[admin]

Thank you Lynn. I’ve been looking into the brewer’s yeast you mentioned, as well as the diatomaceous earth, and I think these seem quite promising. I’m just trying to get her skin better before I do anything, and probably need to run it past the vet too, but I definitely prefer this idea to chemicals. I’m also just trying to keep the environment and all her bedding clear. Most people seem to put the brewer’s yeast in the food, although some say you can just rub a little into the coat which I prefer the sound of. Apparently it’s totally different to baker’s yeast, which isn’t safe.

Thank you again – I really do appreciate your help!

Mary and Mable x

[Vally]

And she’ll smell like a brewery, rather than a bakery !!!

Vally

[admin]

Hahaha, that did make me chuckle! Not sure what smells better – both are ok by me ;)
xxx