Is this fleas?

Dear Dr. Marie,


This is my 2nd time asking a question. Thank you for your great and assuring answer the first time round (13 Dec).



This time, my cat has skin problems which started in late December 2011.


Photographs:

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He started having bald spots with scabs/wounds on his shoulder. This later spread to the front of his neck (with scabs too). However, he did NOT show any signs of excessive grooming, irritability or itchiness.



I brought him to the vet on 7 Jan. The Senior Veterinarian got 3 skin tests done for him – 1) skin scrape, 2) cellotape and 3)can’t recall the 3rd one. The vet said that the tests did not show anything wrong except that bacteria was present. He could not even give me any answer to what could be the possible cause!

My cat was prescribed antibiotics - Cephalexine 300mg.



After that, the bald spots continued to spread. It spread to his hands and thighs. The bald spot on his neck also became much bigger. He lost about 5-8% of his body fur.


I read your article Your Pet has Fleas
and learnt that 45% of itching is due to flea bite allergy. On 19 Jan 2012, I went to administer Frontline Plus for all my 3 cats.


As of today, the “spreading” of bald spots has stopped and the fur is slowly growing back very slowly. However, I am still worried for my cat as I am not sure if the problem has been solved.


I have an appointment scheduled on 9 February for a renowned vet in Singapore who specialises in Dermatology. I am hesitant to bring my cat there due to the high costs involved.


What is your advice? Should I monitor my cat’s situation? If there are no new bald spots and scabs for the next 2 weeks, does it mean that it was indeed flea allergy and his problem has been correctly addressed?



Thank you for reading my long question. Have a good day!



Best regards,

Jessica Lu
Singapore (Asia)

Dear Dr. Marie,


Thank you for your kind and prompt response last Friday.


I will continue to treat all my 3 cats with Frontline for the next 3 months.


Could a possible cause be food allergies? How common is allergy towards chicken/poultry meats in cats? Coincidentally, Derek Boy has just switched to a 100% chicken canned cat food diet.


Thank you for reading my question, have a good day.


Best regards,
Jessica Lu
Singapore

Dear Dr. Marie,



Okay, I will take note.


Thank you for your kind and assuring replies! Have a good day.




Best regards,
Jessica