You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/Contact Dermatitis?

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/28/2011


Question
Hi. I'm a cat lover but I don't own any cats. But I do take care of the cats in our neighborhood. I always hear the kittens meow in some random corners. I want to take care of them. So, I give them to the old lady who took cares of cats too. She always accept them. But I always encounter the same problem with those cute kittens. They always scratch their ears for no reason. And after a while... I see something that is forming in that particular area. I research it on the internet and saw this Cat skin disease called as Contact Dermatitis. I'm just a typical kid who loves cats and wants to take care of them. I don't have any money to take them to the vet. What procedures can I do to protect them? They eventually die after a week or two. I don't want to see any kitten that dies with that same disease. Please help. :(

Answer
Thank you for trying to help the cats. You have two different problems here, I think. The ear scratching is probably from ear mites, which are very itchy. You can usually help these with olive oil drops into the ear (or other oils more local to you like coconut oil). Kittens would not die from the contact dermatitis due to the scratching nor from the mites, so that is probably not the cause of death. Talk with the older woman to see what she thinks. Do they have diarrhea?  do they vomit? do they eat well? Offer them vitamin C (250 mg per day) and fresh meat. See if that helps.  

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.