Symptoms, photos of manifestations and treatment of skin diseases in cats caused by fungal or bacterial infection

Similar to people, cats can get a variety of skin diseases from bacterial or fungal infections. If treatment is not received, these problems can range from minor discomfort to major health issues. It’s critical to identify the early warning indicators so that your pet receives the proper care.

Cats with skin infections frequently exhibit red spots, flakes of skin, or even hair loss. Your cat may start scratching more frequently than usual or may start grooming too much. Your cat may experience discomfort from these infections, and in certain situations, they may spread to people and other animals.

Knowing the signs and viewing images of these conditions’ manifestations can assist you in spotting possible issues before they become serious. It’s also critical to understand the right treatments to heal your cat’s skin and stop more problems.

Symptoms	Photos and Treatment
Red, itchy patches of skin	Photos show inflamed areas, often with hair loss. Treatment includes antifungal creams or medicated shampoos.
Scaly or crusty lesions	Photos may show dry, flaky skin. Treatment involves antifungal or antibacterial ointments and proper hygiene.
Hair loss in circular patterns	Photos show bald spots with visible irritation. Treatment includes antifungal medications and isolation to prevent spreading.
Painful sores or blisters	Photos may show open wounds. Treatment requires antibiotics and wound care to prevent infection.

What can cause skin lesions in cats?

Cat skin lesions can originate from various sources. The following are some of the most typical reasons they appear:

• Ectoparasites. Parasites living on the surface of the body of pets (fleas, ticks) are the causative agents of dermatitis, sarcoptosis, notoedrosis, otodectosis;
• Fungi that provoke the occurrence of lichen.
• Improper care or change in the animal"s diet, against which the cat develops allergies, acne, eczema.
• Improper development of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, leading to acne.
• Allergic reaction, stress, skin injuries, kidney diseases, tumors, diabetes, which can become a prerequisite for the pet"s skin to be affected by bacterial infections.
• Psychic disorders that can lead to alopecia.
• Pathologies of internal organs, against which eczema can develop.

Skin diseases: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

It is just not possible to include all the information about cat skin diseases in one article due to their sheer number. Nonetheless, a subset of dermatological conditions are frequently identified in these animals. It includes infections brought on by different fungi and bacteria, diseases brought on by mites (such as otodectosis and demodicosis), lichen, psoriasis, acne, bedsores, allergies, bumps, and other skin formations.

Bacterial infection

Staphylococcus is the most frequent cause of bacterial infections in cats. Pets with this kind of skin disease can exhibit a variety of symptoms. The pathology type determines the disease’s symptoms and course of treatment. The following table provides details on bacterial infections in these animals, including causes and treatments:

Forms of bacterial infection	Symptoms	Treatment methods
Dry	Dense formations and crusts on the skin.	To eliminate signs of infection, depending on the clinical picture, the four-legged patient is prescribed oral antibacterial drugs (Amoxiclav, Cefoxitin, Clindamycin, Cephalexin) and topical agents (Miramistin, Levomekol, zinc ointment). Also, the sick pet is prescribed medicated shampoos (Api-San, Elite).
Wet	Hyperemia and moisture of the affected areas of the epidermis, accompanied by rashes, the formation of abscesses and weeping crusts, itching.

Fungal infections and different types of lichen

This kind of skin condition, also called "lichen," is brought on by fungi; viruses, nerve damage, hormone imbalances, and allergies are less common causes. Fungal infections, specifically Trichophyton Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum, are the most common cause of damage to the epidermis. Within 21 days, if treatment is started promptly, the animal can be cured. It may take up to six months to fully recover if the skin’s deep layers are impacted. The following table lists the various forms of lichen that can occur in cats, along with a photo of each type.

Also read: What causes a cat to have black patches on its tongue, gums, lips, and nose?

• round flaky spots that increase in size as the disease progresses, acquiring an oval shape;
• scabs;
• thinning and brittleness of the coat in areas affected by the fungus;
• reddened smooth skin under fallen scales;
• itching.

• medicinal shampoos (Veterinary Formula ANTISEPTIC& ANTIFUNGAL, Doctor, Nizoral, Sebozol);
• antifungal ointments (Epacid-F, Fungin, Yam, Sanoderm, Clotrimazole, Miconazole);
• oral antifungal drugs (Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Terbinafine);
• ointments with a drying effect (salicylic, sulfuric, ichthyol);
• vaccines (Vakderm-F, Polivak TM, Microderm).

• A small oval spot on the skin. After 2-3 days, the number of spots increases. Growing together, they form lesions of irregular shape.
• Deformation of the claw when the pathogen gets on it.
• Smooth or scaly dermis on the affected area.

• small or large (up to 2 cm in diameter) pink spots on the skin, most often they appear on the abdomen, inner thighs, in the groin area;
• minor itching (in some cases it is absent);
• flaky skin in the center of the spots and smooth at the edges;
• increased body temperature, joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy (these symptoms appear in severe cases of the disease).

• correction of nutrition, exclusion of heavy and allergenic food
• antihistamines;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• refrain from walking, bathing, contact with other animals;
• apricot and sea buckthorn oil for treating affected areas.

• red spots;
• hyperemia and soreness of the affected areas of the skin;
• bubbles filled with liquid, the violation of the integrity of which leads to the formation of abscesses and crusts;
• fever.

• treatment twice a day with salicylic or sulfuric ointment for 12-21 days;
• hormonal and sedative drugs.

Additionally, fungi can harm the pet’s ear’s outer layer. The most common causes of otomycosis are candida or aspergilli. Severe itching, redness, a slight purulent exudate discharge, and deposits that are either pure gray or greenish-gray in color are all associated with this disease.

Otitis must be treated with antiseptic agents, daily cleaning, and treatment of the affected ear; antifungal medications such as "Amphotericin B," "Flucytosine," "Econazole," or "Clotrimazole" are also required.

Tick infestation

In cats, demodicosis and otodectosis are the most prevalent diseases contracted from ticks. The opportunistic ticks Demodex cati and Demodex gatoi are the cause of the first disease, while Otodectos cynotis is the cause of the second. Infections most frequently happen during the warm season. The table provides a thorough explanation of these illnesses’ symptoms as well as advice on how to get rid of them.

• dense bumps on the skin, which release a white substance when pressed;
• itchy rashes that the cat constantly scratches;
• redness of the affected areas of the body;
• partial hair loss;
• red crusts;
• pustules – formed during a long-term course of the pathology.

• insectoacaricidal drops and drugs (Tsipam, Amit, Ektodes, Neostomazan, Perol, Mikodemotsid, Ivermek, Amit Forte);
• antibiotics (Betamox, Amoxicillin, Baytril, Kamazidin);
• vitamin complexes (Gamavit, Maxidin, Ligfol, Immunol, Immunoparazitan, Gala-vet).

• itching in the ear canals;
• dark gray discharge from the ears with a foul odor;
• redness of the affected areas of the skin;
• increased body temperature;
• constant shaking of the head and attempts by the cat to scratch the ears.

• cleaning the affected ear canal with hydrogen peroxide, camphor alcohol or furacilin;
• insectoacaricidal drops (Surolan, Ektodes, Amitrazin, Demos, Dana, Aurikan, Aurizon, Oritsin).

See also: Reasons for weight loss: Why did the cat start losing weight, regardless of how well it eats?

Psoriasis in cats

The majority of veterinary professionals think that members of the feline family are not psoriasis sufferers. This disease is unique to humans and is brought on by certain autoimmune-related factors. One kind of eczema in animals is scaly skin and itching. Either way, it is important to pay attention to these symptoms if the pet’s skin has dried out and started to peel in certain areas.

Lumps and other formations

Cats’ skin can develop these formations in a variety of shapes and origins. They are separated into the subsequent categories:

• Lipoma. This fatty tumor (wen) can appear anywhere. This benign neoplasm can increase in size, but does not have a tendency to metastasize. Such a formation is quite soft and painful. The occurrence of a lipoma on the front or back legs of an animal can lead to lameness, in the area of ​​the carotid artery – to death as a result of suffocation. Most often, such formations, subject to surgical removal, are found in old pets.

• Abscess. Can develop after an unsuccessful injection or as a result of an insect bite. Abscessing tumors are accompanied by pain, fever and an increase in local temperature. Such formations are subject to opening.

• Lymphadenitis. Characterized by inflammation of the lymph nodes. Inflamed lymph nodes are painful, and they are difficult to palpate. This type of formation is characterized by general intoxication of the pet"s body. Treatment of lymphadenitis depends on its cause and is based on the use of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hormonal, analgesic, antifungal drugs, as well as the use of physiotherapeutic methods.
• Encapsulation of a foreign object or source of bacterial infection. Such a formation is compacted and painless. Discomfort in the pet can only be caused by pressing on the lump. The general condition of the animal does not worsen. The foreign body is removed surgically.

• A tick embedded under the skin. It is a small painless tubercle. To remove it, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian.

• Mastitis or mastopathy. With such diseases, often accompanied by an increase in body temperature, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lumps in females they are localized in the nipple area. They are dense and painful. Mastitis in cats is treated with 10% calcium gluconate, 10% Katozal, Mastometrin, Novocaine.

• Cysts. Most often, the formation of capsules with serous contents does not affect the condition of the cat. A pet can experience discomfort only with mechanical action on a lump of large size. As a rule, cysts are removed surgically.

A cat may develop body lumps as a result of an injury. Typically, they don’t bother the animal and vanish on their own.

Acne in a pet

Both closed and open comedones form in conjunction with this acne condition. The cat’s chin is typically affected by this illness (see. in the photo). When acne appears on the skin, it looks like:

• black or white dots;
• partial hair loss in the affected areas;
• hard crusts.

See also: Home remedies for ocular inflammation, causes and symptoms of conjunctivitis in cats and kittens

Inflammation and infection may result from the agonizing ulcers and abscesses that this illness can cause. The afflicted areas are treated with antiseborrheic shampoo or soap and antiseptic medications (Chlorhexidine, Miramistin) to get rid of comedones. In more severe cases, corticosteroids and antibacterial drugs are used to treat this illness.

Formation of bedsores

Elderly pets and those who have recently experienced a serious injury or illness are more likely to develop bedsores, which are defined as necrosis of soft tissues brought on by continuous pressure, along with local circulatory and nervous trophic disorders.

Rotting patches eventually appear in areas where skin is in constant contact with a horizontal surface during prolonged immobilization.

• painful sensations when touched;
• decrease in local temperature;
• ulcers;
• change in skin color.

This is an issue that you cannot overlook. If it gets worse, there could be dire repercussions. Dead tissue must be removed, and affected areas must be treated with wound-healing ointments and disinfectants.

Manifestations of allergies

This illness results from the immune system of the animal not responding appropriately to foreign substances, or allergens, entering its body. Cats can develop allergies for a variety of reasons. Plant pollen, a component of the food, or the owner’s perfume can all be provoking factors. The illness shows symptoms that include:

• hyperemia of the skin;
• severe itching;
• partial baldness;
• increased body temperature.

The symptoms associated with an allergy can vary depending on what kind of allergy it is (food, household). After consulting your veterinarian, you should administer an antihistamine to your pet if you think they may have this illness.

Hormonal and antibacterial treatments are sometimes used to halt an allergic reaction attack. It is advised to begin treatment right away because delaying it may cause asthmatic syndrome, eosinophilic granuloma, or atopic dermatitis.

Cat skin diseases brought on by bacterial or fungal infections must be identified and treated promptly for the sake of the animals’ general health and wellbeing. How soon symptoms like red patches, hair loss, or itching are identified can have a big impact on how quickly your cat heals.

It’s best to see a veterinarian if you see any strange signs on your cat’s skin. Most infections can be effectively managed and cured with the right treatment, whether it’s antifungal medication, antibiotics, or specialty shampoos.

You can assist in averting further outbreaks by closely monitoring your cat’s appearance and behavior as well as by practicing good hygiene. Maintaining your cat’s skin clear of infections and in good condition also greatly depends on a nutritious diet and routine examinations.

Cat skin diseases brought on by bacterial or fungal infections can cause your pet discomfort with symptoms like redness, itching, hair loss, or scabs. Early detection of these symptoms is essential because prompt treatment can stop the infection from getting worse. Depending on the kind of infection, a veterinarian may prescribe antifungal creams, antibiotics, or medicated shampoos as treatments. With pictures to guide you, knowing what these conditions look like will enable you to act quickly to protect your cat’s health and comfort.

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