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Diagnosis of Skin Disease
After moving to a new house several months ago, my 3-year-old cat began to develop bald patches that he bites, licks and scratches, making his skin bleed. He goes outdoors sometimes, but stays close to the house. I believe he might be having an allergic reaction to fleas. If so, what is the best way to proceed?
—Mary Ann
The diagnosis and management of skin disease, especially in animals who go outside, can be very challenging for both veterinarians and owners. There are diseases that your cat can contract from other cats as well as from the environment that are not a problem for indoor cats. Fleas, ringworm, insect bites and mange are just a few of the problems that can fit the description of the symptoms you've described.
While you can check for fleas with a flea comb or search for evidence of flea dirt on your cat's abdomen or back, there are other diagnostic tests, such as skin scrapes and cultures, that only your veterinarian can perform. Remember that you must still seek veterinary treatment for a flea allergy if indeed that is the problem. Just killing the fleas will not solve the problem. Be sure to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible to relieve your kitty's discomfort and keep the problem from spreading.
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