Huge problem in a nutshell: My 9-yr-old Himalayan, Max, has developed "angry skin" under the black crusties that collect around his eyes and the folds around his nose. The term "acne" doesn't compare to the severity of this. I've always cleaned his eyes, but Oct. 2010 the skin began to bleed underneath after cleaning, and it continues to do so. I've spent thousands of dollars at different vets, the groomer, a compounding pharmacy, and especially the dermatologist. A biopsy concluded idiopathic facial dermatitis w/a possible allergy component. Dermatologist said the only medical option left was allergy testing w/still no guarantee of resolution. And I cannot fail to mention his choosing not to use the litter box (that is an additional stressor for me because I have a small child).
FYI He eats high-quality grain-free dry food out of non-plastic bowls, I've already contained him in the bathroom for failed litter box retraining, he's had homeopathic remedies which resulted in constant diarrhea, and Depo shots (steroid) provide just 2 wks of relief for the skin irritation.
Only recently have I come to accept that it will be a matter of control for quality of life, so I need to know if there's anybody out there successfully controlling this? I am absolutely laden with guilt for not being able to resolve this for Max. He is my feline baby. PLEASE post if you've experienced this degree of facial dermatitis. Thanks.
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