Expert: Jessica - 1/29/2011

Question
I have a 3 year old male.He has been neutered.  Last june he started running a high fever.  2 vets treated symptoms but could not tell what was wrong.  Mannie - our cat- had neurological damage. We also think he has severe vision problems.  He is relearning everything he once knew.  We conquer one problem after the next.  Our main problem is that he walks around alot and only rest in a crouched sitting positin.  He has gained a lot of weight. he has developed bloody, raw areas on the back of each back foot.  What can I do.  His sitting on his flat feet seem to agrivate the bloody areas.  I guess it wouldn't do any good to try to bandage the areas to protect them.  Help

Answer
Hi Bobbie,

The vet should take a look at the sores to make sure that these are being caused strictly by abnormal pressure on his feet.  Sometimes, sores can be caused by autoimmune disease, bacterial infections or allergies.  If any of these are the cause, an anti-inflammatory or antibiotic should help take care of the problem.

If it does appear that his problem is that he’s wearing on his feet abnormally, then it might be wise to bandage his feet to help cushion the areas that are receiving the abnormal pressure.  This will also help keep the wounds clean while they heal.  The vet can provide you with an appropriate antiseptic flush, such as Chlorhexiderm, and an antibiotic ointment like Panalog.  Neosporin can also be used.  Stretchy bandaging can be used, rather than sticky, so that it won’t stick to his fur and cause pain when you remove it.  If your cat doesn’t tolerate the bandaging well at all, it will still be important to flush his wounds with the antiseptic and apply the topical antibiotic.  Because of the location of his sores, an infection is likely, and the vet may want to prescribe an oral antibiotic to be safe.

Try to ensure that his bedding is soft to minimize the impact on his feet, since he doesn’t seem to sleep on his side at all, and also be sure to keep his litter in pristine condition.  Bacteria in the litter box will delay healing.  I suggest to dump the contents of his box at least once weekly, and scoop solid waste every day.

Good luck!

Jessica