Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 9/10/2006

Question
Since March 2006 my cat has had 3 wounds on the side of his face. The first time I took him to the vet, I was told that he had flea allergies and ear mites, and was put on antibiotics, and advantage for the fleas. This happened again June 2006 when I took him to the vet, and was told it was a hot spot. Thus, he was given a depo-medrol inj.-S.A. and an antibiotic called Clavamox. He has been on the advantage since the first time this incident occurred. I just noticed this sore again on his cheek. I am not sure what is actually causing this problem. He was using his back leg to scratch the area. Can you please help me to find out what is causing thus, and what I can do to prevent it?

Answer
I would ask the vet if your cat has ear mites. That can cause a chronic cheek sore from scratching.  Also food allergies can cause this type of itchy lesion on the face. If your vet can't figure it out, they can always do a skin biopsy to see what it is.