Another possible ailment to ask about: mycosis fungoides. You can GOOGLE it for a description and some sites have photos. Sometimes a vet can feel threatened when you are suggesting a diagnosis. However, if I had not done that with our cat, Molly Meu, after reading a vet question and answer page in Animal Companion, she would be dead right now. Molly has exocrine pancreatic insuffiency(EPI)and was starving to death because she lacked the enzymes to digest her food. I read the symptoms that were mentioned in the column and quickly called and faxed the vet the info. Molly was started on the pancreatic enzymes and had the blood test the next day. Molly looked 200% better in 3 days, and is doing very well. I know I have digressed from your cat's problem, but we are the advocates for these creatures that cannot speak for themselves. You are doing the right thing by asking the vet lots of questions!!!! Is there a 24 hour/day emergency animal hospital in your area that might have a vet dermatologist in your area??? Maybe that is where you should take Bobby!!!