Expert: Silva Mirovics - 9/5/2009

Question
Hi! I have a 6 yr old Maine Coon mix (17bs), who has always had allergies. His lymph nodes have gone up about once a year. They have usually responded to steroid injections. We just made a 600 mile move, and he now has two kitten brothers (who are low-key, healthy, and up on their shots). About a month after the move he developed "Lion Lip" for the first time. He received a shot and the lip went down almost immediately. Two weeks later I noticed a sore on one side of his upper lip. Over the next few days the lymph node in his neck directly under the sore flared up. He was prescribed prednisolone but it didn't seem to help. He has had the sore for two weeks and it seems to be getting deeper. Also the lymph node has not gone down (it's aprox 1cm). He received a cortisone shot today, and I'm hoping that it will take the lymph node down. What can I do to get rid of this ulcer? I have tried omega-3 s. Is there an ointment that I can make? Is it safe to apply vitamin E directly? I have him on a weight loss diet, and am trying to get him healthy so that we can spend another decade together (at least!!).

Answer
Hi Karen
It sure sounds like your boy has been through the wars.  He seems to be on a viscous cycle now with the lymph, ulcers, and cortisone/steroids.  His immune system needs boosting naturally.  The steroids will bring some temporary relief, but they are not getting to the core of what is going on.  I would look at a few different things here.
Firstly - you can use Vit E oil directly on the ulcer.  You can also bathe, wash the area with Colloidal Silver.  This is a good anti-viral and anti-bacterial solution that you can use undiluted.
I would also be looking at getting him some Maritime Pine Bark extract which is a super-rich antioxidant, and some other products to help boost immunity and settle down the lymph nodes.  If you go to www.herbal-treatments.com
They are herbal animal specialist.  You can contact them for advise on a specific blend, or you can order one that is ready made for cats.  They also stock the Maritime Pine Bark.
Discuss with your vet, but I would also avoid yearly shots as there is just too much going on that his system needs to process.
What is he eating?  I would avoid all commercial brands, especially the dry food/biscuits.  They will cause all sorts of problems with his kidneys, liver and skin.  Raw, fresh meats are the best.  Add some Omega fish oils (something with 3, 6 and 9).  Or give him a few serves of sardines or mackerel each week.
From an emotional point of view I would suggest you take a look at what is getting "under his skin", what is irritating him, and also how stable is he feeling within his home environment.  Is there trouble with other cats, neighbors, humans in the home?  Our animals pick up on our emotions, and if we are over-burdened they will often carry some of the load for us - that's how much they love us.
Please let me know if you require any further assistance.
Kind regards,
Silva.
www.roxysworld.com.au