Anyone seen this rash before??

[littlelew]

My poor Bub came up with this rash over the last 2-3 days.

It started as small red bumps (like a mosquito bites) but then turned scabby after a day or two. Has anyone experienced this before??
I had her booked for the vet on Monday, but I'm currently chatting with the vet to see if it's urgent enough to take her elsewhere, as my vet is not open over the weekend.

It does't appear to be itchy or painful for her, and she isn't excessively grooming the spots.
She was spayed last Tuesday and wore a cone for two days, and then a surgical suit for a week.
I haven't changed her diet, litter, cleaning products in my house, so I'm really at a loss what this is from.

Obviously a vet diagnosis is most important right now, but if anyone has experience with something like this and can calm a cat-mama's nerves I'd like to hear your thoughts/ experiences.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Not sure what you mean by surgical suit...perhaps allergic to material or detergent used on it?

 

[Yoda mom]

Awh healing vibes !
My first thought is the suit simce that is the only major change
Second would be reaction to any meds she is on after surgery ?


I would also ask the vet on your visit to rule out ringworm, just to be safe
(Dont panic - most of us mention with any skin stuff round to have vet rule out with a light test )

Are the spots mostly where the suit was on?
I personally would leave the suit off Amd if she starts kicking her incision redirect her and of thst doesn't work a soft cone

Clothing can give them prickle hear like rashes

 

[littlelew]

@Catzzzmeow Surgical suit is like the attached pic, just a cotton onesie that covers the stitches to prevent grooming/ biting.

@Yoda mom I think it has something to do with the suit too, but what is strange to me is that its appeared all over her body, not underneath where the suit was. Poor thing even has it on her ears and tail.

I'm really worried that it's ringworm too, but I honestly have no idea where it would have come from. My only thought is that the tenants who rented the house before us had dogs, so there's a possibility spores laid dormant in the carpet... which is a scary thought.

 

[Yoda mom]

Checking in on Bub tonight
Positve vibes sent
Let's keep all paws crossed its not RW

 

[susi794]

Looks like might be staph infection to me.

Symptoms of staph infection:
The symptoms of a feline staph infection so closely resemble those of feline ringworm that it is often difficult for cat owners to distinguish between the two. The affected cat will develop circular, hairless lesions on its skin. These lesions will be red and irritated, and they will sometimes be covered in small scabs or pimples. The inflamed area is also very itchy, and infected cats can be identified because of their excessive scratching and biting at the infected areas.

Treatment of Staph Infection
Since staph is a bacterial infection, the medications that most veterinarians will prescribe are antibiotics. While these drugs will be effective in killing the majority of the bacteria in a feline staph infection, the opportunistic nature of staph dictates that the initial cause of the infection be treated as well. If you only treat the infection, but not the cause, another infection will soon arise. If the disease came about because of a flea allergy, the appropriate flea medications must be administered. There are special ointments and shampoos designed to relieve cats of staph infections, which will also help to heal the cat’s skin.

 

[susi794]

Looks like might be staph infection to me.

Symptoms of staph infection:
The symptoms of a feline staph infection so closely resemble those of feline ringworm that it is often difficult for cat owners to distinguish between the two. The affected cat will develop circular, hairless lesions on its skin. These lesions will be red and irritated, and they will sometimes be covered in small scabs or pimples. The inflamed area is also very itchy, and infected cats can be identified because of their excessive scratching and biting at the infected areas.

Treatment of Staph Infection
Since staph is a bacterial infection, the medications that most veterinarians will prescribe are antibiotics. While these drugs will be effective in killing the majority of the bacteria in a feline staph infection, the opportunistic nature of staph dictates that the initial cause of the infection be treated as well. If you only treat the infection, but not the cause, another infection will soon arise. If the disease came about because of a flea allergy, the appropriate flea medications must be administered. There are special ointments and shampoos designed to relieve cats of staph infections, which will also help to heal the cat’s skin.

But you said your cat wasn’t itchy, so maybe not.

 

[littlelew]

@susi794 You were correct! Vet diagnosed it as a staf infection! Not sure why she isn’t itchy. Or at least to me it doesn’t seem like she’s scratching more than normal.

Bub is on antibiotics now. We’ll monitor it over the weekend and she’ll go in for her check up appointment as scheduled on Monday. Fingers crossed we have the right diagnosis and that the infection clears up!

 

[Mushymoo]

My poor Bub came up with this rash over the last 2-3 days.

It started as small red bumps (like a mosquito bites) but then turned scabby after a day or two. Has anyone experienced this before??
I had her booked for the vet on Monday, but I'm currently chatting with the vet to see if it's urgent enough to take her elsewhere, as my vet is not open over the weekend.

It does't appear to be itchy or painful for her, and she isn't excessively grooming the spots.
She was spayed last Tuesday and wore a cone for two days, and then a surgical suit for a week.
I haven't changed her diet, litter, cleaning products in my house, so I'm really at a loss what this is from.

Obviously a vet diagnosis is most important right now, but if anyone has experience with something like this and can calm a cat-mama's nerves I'd like to hear your thoughts/ experiences.

I was directed to this site as I searching the same issue with my cat. She doesn't appear to be in any discomfort. But they look like they keep coming out in different spots, only on her back none on her underbelly.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Mushymoo , so glad you joined us

Can you start a new thread and perhaps include pics of your babies skin issue so we can chime in specifically for you kitty? What's your babies name ?
Healing vibes sent

Has a vet given a diagnosis?

 

[littlelew]

Beginning to get concerned regarding Bub's spots. They have turned from spots that looked like mosquito bites (in the original pictures) to small lesions.
I have been administering antibiotics (Amoxicillin, twice daily) and so far have not seen much improvement to the looks of the spots. Most of the spots have now scabbed over. The scabs have fallen off some of spots, and I was expecting to see an improvement to the look of the skin underneath, but the same red spots remain.

Bub is now also quite itchy. Vet prescribed Derma-Vet Ointment to help with the itchiness, but Bub doesn't like it too much. She licks it off as soon as I have applied it.

Vet said the next step would be to do a skin biopsy (she wants to rule out ring worm, fair enough)
She also said this would involve putting Bub under general anaesthetic (Is this true?! Just for a biopsy?!) I am concerned because Bub was really distressed after her spay surgery while still under the effects of the anaesthesia. I don't want to put her through that again...

I'm not convinced that it's a steph infection, as I thought I would have seen improvements to her skin by now. I also don't think it's ring worm as the spots aren't getting larger or changing size or shape. My gut tells me it might be an allergic reaction.

How soon after administering antibiotics should I have seen an improvement? She has been on antibiotics for six days now.
Does anyone have any advice what I should ask the vet? Anything else they can recommend trying before we go for a biopsy? I've attached updated pictures of Bub's spots/ lesions.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Catzzzmeow Your thoughts?


@littlelew Awh Bub we are sending healing vibes


Ask your vet about Doxcycline antibiotic
It worked way better than amox with my crew

 

[susi794]

Amoxicillin never works on mine. Doxycline does. If it’s allergy, a steroid should clear it up.

 

[Toa and Ross]

Sending healing vibes to Bub

 

[littlelew]

Hey everyone, quick update on Bub. Finished the course of antibiotics with no result.
Vet took scab samples and swabbed the skin to send off to test for bacterial infection and ringworm (but there was no evidence of ringworm when she tested under the blue light anyway, so still doubtful it's ringworm)
She said that cats usually respond very well to steroids, so if it's an allergic reaction we should be able to get it cleared up quickly, however if the root cause is an infection then treating with steroids while she's not at full health can be detrimental.

In the mean time Bub has been prescribed Mupirocin to help with the itching and been referred to a dermatologist, but unfortunately they have a month long wait list...
Bub doesn't seem to be getting any better, but thankfully not any worse. I get the impression my vet is not 100% confident treating a Sphynx, which is perhaps why she referred Bub to the dermatologist. I'm just hoping the lab results come back with some answers.

 

[Yoda mom]

@littlelew Awh hugs and continued healing vibes you get a diagnosis amd treatment .
I have had that med for my finger in the past . Worked good .
All paws crossed you get test results and a successful treatment plan for sweet Bub.
I personally would call the vet back and ask for a referral to a specialist thst can see Bub sooner or ask the, if they have a cancellation list .

Did they rule out urticaria pigmentosa we have seen in some kitties here ?
Urticaria pigmentosa

A lair full of prayers amd healing vibes !
Following closely for updates (((hugs))) and head smooches to sweet Bub

I would also ask the vet if doxcycline antibiotic would be beneficial. It is often the go to antibiotic for Sphynx simce many others aren't as effective with Sphynx.

 

[littlelew]

@Yoda mom The pictures in the Urticaria pigmentosa thread scare me because to be honest that's what Bub looks like.
Hers are not bloody though, they look more dried and scabby. They are also quite dark in colour, not like a regular scab. Bub hasn't has had a biopsy done yet, only a scraping. I'm not sure how they test for pigmentosa.

Bub is on the cancellation list for the dermatologist, paws crossed an appointment comes up earlier.

 

[Yoda mom]

@littlelew , have you asked your vet if there is another specialist you can get Bub in sooner simce the other ome is booked up ?

I would emphasize you would like to do best for Bub
to get a diagnosis and treatment plan on board ASAP to prevent it from worsening as they would want if it was their baby .

Sometimes I have to be very firm and Kindly request other options .

You could call the office you are on the cancellation list for and ask how they test to rule out urticaria pigmentosa ?
I would also call them and ask what office they refer to when they are too booked up?
I would be calling everyday to check the cancellation list so you domt slip thru the cracks as it has happened to me in the past .

How is Bub doing today?
A lair full of positive vibes her way!

 

[Toa and Ross]

@littlelew my boy Toa has Urticaria Pigmentosa and is doing really well since he gets prednisone! Of course I don't if Bub has it but just wanted to say it's very well treatable.
To see if Bub has this or not the vet can take a few biopsies from the scabs and sent it to the lab.

 

[littlelew]

Good to know @Toa and Ross ! I have been reading a lot about it and it's not as scary now that I am more informed. I'm going to give the vet a call back to see if she got the results from the scab biopsies yet. Fingers crossed she will only need a dose of steroids to clear it up.

@Yoda mom Yes, you are right. I need to be a little firmer with the clinic to get the treatment/attention that Bub needs. Last time I was there they were so busy and the staff were not coping well. I'm going to get her test results and then I think I will go to a different clinic (another user recommended a great mobile vet who is knowledgeable with the breed. Might give her a go.)

Overall Bub is fine! She still has plenty of energy to play (especially at 5am ) and ism still eating and using the litter tray. Her general health seems great asides from the spots on her skin.

 

[Yoda mom]

@littlelew , I switched vets . Loved her but hectic crazy quick visits .. And after last mis diagnosis .. Well I had to move on

I do have to share thst ome of the top notch vets in our area is the vet thst does the shot clinics -
I trust him with my babies life amd he has alway been spot on , and did not pad bills.. Truly old school for the love of animals .. I definitely would check up with the one you mentioned .

I do recommend calling your vets and asking for a copy of Bub's chart ,(for your own records)
Be sure to get copies of any test results.
Bring these records with you to any specialist or new vet .

Glad Bub is playimg amd full of energy , eating yah! Stay positive ! She sounds like a strong girl
Head smooches sent to sweet Bub and big hugs to you

Following closely !

Ps- ask if doxcycline antibiotic would be effective for Bub
It works well well Sphynx mine and Several others

Let us know the skin scraping results

 

[littlelew]

FINALLY got the skin scraping results in.... Bub's tested positive for RW
The thing is it didn't glow under blue light (although I've read that 50% of RW infections don't glow) but what really confuses me is that in the two weeks we were waiting for results, the patches have nearly all cleared up and disappeared. Has anyone had this happen before? I didn't think that RW could clear up without treatment? The other thing is neither my husband nor I have shown any signs of RW, and Bub regularly sleeps in the bed with us. I thought it was highly contagious?

I think the only place she could have contracted it would have been the vets office, because it showed up a few days after her spay procedure, which makes me really mad. I definitely won't be taking her back there again.

Has anyone got experience with grapefruit seed oil as a treatment for RW? I was reading a thread on here about, but I need more info on how to administer it. Have asked on the old thread, hopefully someone replies.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

That stinks. Did your vet prescribe any shampoo/meds? When we dealt with ringworm, me and 3 cats got it and hubby never did and they all slept with us.
Unfortunately veterinary hospitals are full of germs like human hospitals and doctor’s offices. One thing I do when we go to the vets is ask them to wipe down the table/scale while we are in the room. Glad to hear things seem to be clearing up on their own though!

 

[Yoda mom]

@littlelew , oh no! Poor Bub!
So sorry to read the RW diagnosis
What meds,shampoos imstructions were given ?
As a kid I got ring worm and my family vet treated me and the dog !
I am not familar with the grapes seed oil treatment

I am sure others will chime in
A lair full of healinf vibes
Did you let the breeder kmow ? Amy others in the little Have RW?

Here is a search result for RW using the top right search box I'm the main page

Search Results for Query: Ringworm | Sphynxlair
Be sure to scroll down to bottom of pages for "similar threads "

Keep us updated often on sweet Bub

 

[littlelew]

It's been a few weeks, so time for an update!
Bub had her appointment at the Dermatologist and Allergy Specialist yesterday and we finally have some concrete answers; bub has Urticaria Pigmentosa.

The vet yesterday was an angel! She was so knowledgeable in the breed and I learnt so much.
After checking Bub thoroughly she feels the original RW result was a false positive. As sphynx's, like other animals always have various fungi on their skin, taking a scab sample and putting it in a culture will show positive for just about any fungus that happens to be present, which can be misleading.
She feels that the flare up of the UP was due to her spay surgery, which Bub found particularly traumatic, as a trigger for a UP flare up can be stress. As Bub's spots are healing on their own (they're nearly all gone!) there is nothing more we need to do, other than monitor them to make sure they don't come back. If they do the vet advised me how to medicate her with Zyrtec.

I learnt some interesting things about UP yesterday.
- It's a genetic disease, although researchers are not sure exactly how it is passed down.
- It is more common in sphynx's from the UK (apparently?!) The vet personally noticed patterns with particular breeders in my area too
- Some sphynxs have it and out grow it before age 1 without showing any symptoms, therefore some breeders would never know whether it's present in a litter (or so they say...) Some outgrow it completely even after having a flare up.
- It can be stress related. You can safely administer Zyrtec as a preventative if you know your cat doesn't deal well with stress and you have an event coming up that may be a trigger.

Thanks to everyone here for your support and suggestions over the past few weeks. I learnt so much through this forum too, it's so valuable!

On another note; the vet noticed Bub's skin flinch/ ripple when she touched it, she seemed concerned and asked me if it happens a lot but when I said no, and she dropped it. I wish I pressed her to find out what she was thinking. Any ideas if this is a symptom for something else??
To me it seems normal, like a reflex when you touch a ticklish spot. Furry cats do this too particularly when you touch the top of their back near their tails.