Why does my cat have skin wounds?

In this article, we are going to explain why a cat has skin wounds. We will see that there are multiple causes that may be behind the appearance of this type of skin lesions in our cat, such as scabs, sores, ulcers, etc. We will talk about the most common triggers, which can be from a bite caused by a fight to a reaction to parasites by fleas, allergies, infections or even tumors.

In all cases of skin wounds it must be our veterinarian who diagnoses and treats, nevertheless, in order to provide all the possible information to the specialist, then we will explain the Causes of skin wounds in cats more common.

Wounds on the skin of cats by bites

The simplest cause that explains why a cat has skin wounds is that they have been caused by an attack. Sometimes, even playing with another cat can cause injuries. Sometimes the bites close in false, producing the feline percutaneous abscessIe infection under the skin, although it is more frequent that we discover that our cat has scabs on the skin that will correspond to minor wounds that have healed on their own.

Bite wounds will be more common in cats that live with others or with other animals and have access to the outside, where fights are likely to be triggered by territorial issues or by females in heat. If these wounds are mild we can disinfect them at home, however, if they are deep, look bad or we find some abscess, we should go to our veterinarian, since may need drainage, disinfection and antibiotic.

Patterns of skin reaction in cats

Sometimes why a cat has skin wounds is explained as part of a skin reaction pattern. Generally these wounds they are produced by itching, especially if this is maintained over time. The cat licks and scratches itself, causing alopecia and erosions such as ulcers or scabs. Within these patterns, produced by different causes, the following stand out:

• Self-inflicted hypotrichosis: this disorder involves hair loss but is also responsible for a condition known as pruritic facial dermatitis, in which you can see wounds on the skin of the cat. In the Persian one identifies a idiopathic facial dermatitis, perhaps caused by a disorder in the sebaceous glands. It is characterized by scabs on the face and can be complicated until it affects the neck and ears. It occurs in young people.
• Miliary dermatitis: this reaction, which produces variable pruritus, manifests itself in the form of tiny wounds, especially by neck and head. In addition, scratching can cause alopecia and other erosions. It develops due to allergies, infections, parasites, etc.
• Eosinophilic complex: includes three types of lesions that can also appear in the mouth, such as eosinophilic ulcereosinophilic plaque and eosinophilic granuloma.

In the following sections we will see the most common causes that explain the development of these patterns.

Wounds on the skin of cats by parasites

There are several parasites that can explain why our cat has skin wounds or why the cat has scabs. The most common are the following:

• Fleas: these insects bite the cat to feed on its blood, which causes itching and areas with alopecia and wounds in the lumbosacral area and neck. The fleas or their remains can be seen directly and they are combated using antiparasitic products for cats.
• Garrapatas: mainly attack cats with access to the outside or who live with dogs. If we do not detect the parasite while it bites, sometimes we can find in areas with the finest skin, such as the ears, the neck or between the fingers, small bumps and even small scabs on the skin of the cat that can correspond to a reaction to the tick bite. It is necessary to visit the veterinarian to confirm that it is about this.
• Mites: are responsible for diseases such as scabies, which can even infect humans. It is characterized by intense itching, especially on the head, although it can spread, where alopecia and scabs appear. The mite Otodectes cynotis affects the ears, especially of younger cats, and causes otitis, visible as a dark brown discharge. The Neotrombicula autumnalis It is observed as orange spots that cause a lot of itching and scabs. They are eliminated with antiparasitic once the veterinarian has diagnosed them.

Wounds on the skin of cats due to allergies

La hypersensitivity to certain substances It can explain why a cat has skin wounds. We have already discussed the action of fleas but, in addition, in some animals allergic to their saliva, a single bite can trigger a picture in which we will see wounds to the neck and lumbosacral area, although it can be extended. It appears between the 3 and 6 years. As we have said, the preventive use of antiparasitics is essential.

La atopic dermatitisIt can also affect cats, as well as Adverse reactions to food. In these cases, the veterinarian will arrive at the diagnosis and initiate the treatment. Atopic dermatitis usually appears in animals under 3 years, in a generalized or localized manner and always with itching. Cough, sneezing or conjunctivitis may also appear. In food allergies or intolerances, the injuries will be in the head, but they can also occur in a generalized way. The diagnosis is confirmed if there is a positive response to a elimination diet.

Wounds on the skin of cats due to infections

Both bacterial and fungal can explain why our cat has skin wounds. Some of these infections also explain why a cat has skin sores, as in cases of pyoderma, which are bacterial infections. Within this section we highlight the following disorders as the most common, although there are many more existing ones:

• Feline acne: usually present as black spots on the chin but can progress to pustules, which will require disinfection and veterinary treatment. It can appear at any age.
• Tub: Probably the best-known feline disease with the ability to infect humans. Although its usual presentation consists of circular alopecias, we can also see it as miliary dermatitis or eosinophilic granuloma. It requires veterinary treatment and follow-up of hygiene measures to avoid contagion. It is more frequent in kittens, malnourished or sick animals.
• Panniculitis: is the inflammation of adipose tissue that produces ulcers with discharge. As it has several causes, the treatment will depend on its determination.

Wounds on the skin of cats due to cancer

Some tumor processes can also explain why a cat has skin wounds. In cats, a malignant tumor stands out, Squamous cell carcinoma, which can appear in the nose, ears or eyelids, first as a crust. It is due to the action of the sun on clear areas with little hair. If the exposure is prolonged and the cat is not treated, it is when the carcinoma can appear.

Any erosion should be checked by the veterinarian, as the prognosis improves as soon as it is diagnosed. Must Avoid sun exposure and, in more serious cases, opt for surgery, more or less complex depending on the location, or radiotherapy.

Diagnostic tests to know why a cat has skin wounds

Once we have seen what causes can explain why our cat has skin wounds, scabs or sores, it is essential to visit to the veterinary center, since it will be this professional who, through tests, will be able to reach the exact diagnosis of all possible causes. Between the tests to perform the following stand out:

• Sampling.
• Cutaneous scraping.
• Examination of the ear.
• Microscopic visualization of the hair.
• Cytological study
• Observation with Wood’s lamp.
• Biopsy.
• In some cases it may be necessary to perform radiographic and sonographic tests and studies.

It is very important not to try to treat the skin wounds of the cat at home with home remedies or medicines without the approval of a veterinarian, since, as we have said, the treatment will vary depending on the cause and an inadequate administration can considerably worsen the clinical picture

This article is merely informative, in .com we do not have the faculty to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.

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