My Kitty Sasha Has Back Sores

by JoDell Stansel
(Alvin, Texas, USA)

Reader Question on Back Sores Followed By Suggestion From Our Vet

I rescued my kitty Sasha when she was only 2-1/2 weeks old and she has given me 7 wonderful years of companionship. Sasha is white and has long silky hair.

Three years ago she began to develop one to three sores on the back of her neck, shoulder and/or head. These sores are approximately 1 cm in size and are very itchy. The sores will crust, bleed (from scratching) and then mysteriously clear up after about two weeks. The hair will grow back and she appears to be fine again until they reappear five or six months later.

This happens at least twice a year, every year and there is no change in environment (I clean green and use no harmful or toxic products), food, treats, litter, etc.

I hate to see her so miserable with the itching when they come back. I have attached a picture of what they look like. The picture is of the sore as it is starting to clear up and go away.

Suggestion From Our Veterinarian on Back Sores

Hello,

It’s hard for me to say what the lesion in the picture you provided might be without examining Sasha, but based on your description, something called eosinophilic granuloma complex is a possibility. These types of lesions often develop when a cat has an allergic reaction to something – insect bites, food allergies, and environmental allergens (pollen, mold, etc.) are all possibilities. Most eosinophilic granulomas respond well to treatment with corticosteroids. Sometimes the allergic reaction is a one-time event, and a single course of treatment is all that is required. But if the condition regularly reoccurs, it’s best to try to diagnose and manage the underlying problem to prevent problems associated with the long-term use of corticosteroids.

See your veterinarian for a diagnosis of Sasha’s specific condition and appropriate treatment.

Regards,
Jennifer Coates, DVM