I've been feeling pretty overwhelmed lately, and I'm really hoping someone here might have some insights or advice for me. About a year ago, I had my cat neutered, thinking it would be a routine procedure. But ever since then, he's been struggling with these awful open sores on his belly and upper legs. I've taken him to the vet multiple times, and we've tried different treatments, including antibiotics and creams, but nothing seems to help. It breaks my heart to see him in discomfort like this. He's constantly licking at them, which probably isn't helping, but I can't seem to stop him. It's gotten to a point where I'm losing sleep over it, and I'm desperate for any advice from someone who might have faced a similar situation. If you've ever dealt with something like this or know what might be causing these sores, please, any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for reaching out with your question. I'm really sorry to hear about your cat's ongoing issues with open sores. It's understandable to feel concerned, especially since this situation has been ongoing for such a long time. Open sores can be caused by several factors like infection, allergies, parasites like fleas, or even stress-related behaviors such as excessive grooming. Occasionally, surgical procedures like neutering can trigger changes in the skin or immune responses that lead to skin issues.
For at-home care, ensure your cat’s environment is clean and stress-free. This might help if the sores are stress-related. You can gently clean the sores using a saline solution to prevent infection and keep the area dry. Check for any flea infestation, as bites can exacerbate skin problems.
Keep an eye on signs like increased redness, pus, or swelling, which could indicate infection. If your cat is acting lethargic, losing weight, or if the sores seem painful, those are signs that need immediate attention.
Given the persistence of this issue, I recommend scheduling a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals. It will give us the chance to explore your cat’s history in more detail and provide personalized advice on next steps.
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