Does anyone have any experience with a diagnosis from the vet of "granduloma" - a skin disease...?

Our cat is about 11 mos old, a stray found in December. She had a bad cut or bite on her neck. A trip to the vet with two courses of antibiotics did nothing. The "cut" apparently itched horribly and the cat did nothing but scratch it. The "cut" healed but seemed to move from under her neck, heal there and steadily moved up around her neck until it landed on the back of her neck. The vet biopsied it, negative, cortisone injections are the only thing which seems to be working to keep her from itching it. However we are really worried about the cortisone because she is so young and it affects her horribly (lethargic, huge appetite, no response to do anything, seems depressed). The vet wants to do shots THIS TIME now, two weeks again and then again two weeks from there. I don't know if she can take it. This GRANULOMA I'm told is not curable and can follow her her entire life - any help? I cannot picture putting this poor kittie cat through this anymore. Thanks!
Does anyone have any experience with a diagnosis from the vet of "granduloma" - a skin disease...?
It can be difficult to treat but the cat doesn't HAVE to live with it forever or all the time. It is actually a form of cancer, that humans can also get, you can't catch it from your cat.





It is a white cell immune response to allergens and assists in fighting parasitic infections.





Eosinophilic granuloma complex is usually seen as a group of skin lesions affecting the cat, mainly on mouth, face %26amp; skin.





Lesions are found in three forms:





Indolent ulcer (also known as eosinophilic ulcer or rodent ulcer): This can affect any cat, it is seen three times as often in females as it is in males. Sores most often occur on the upper lip or between it and the nose, but can also be found on the tongue. You will observe a raised, thickened red/brown ulcer which is shiny and well defined. Generally while they may painful they aren't.





Eosinophilic plaque: This can appear on any part of the body, but will usually be seen on the abdomen or thighs. They appear as red, well defined, raised, hairless lesions and may be ulcerated.





Eosinophilic granuloma. Linear granuloma or Collagenolytic granuloma: This is more often seen in males than females, and cats under 1 old are affected more than others. Usually seen on the back legs, although they can show anywhere, they are observed as long, straight, thin lines which are raised %26amp; inflamed, and pinkish-yellowish in colour. On the face they are seen as swellings %26amp; nodules on the bottom lip %26amp; the cat has a "fat chinned" pout. Footpads can be affected by eosinophilic granuloma.





What causes eosinophilic granuloma complex?





No specific cause, there are many things which can cause it. IIt could be a reaction to flea bite hypersensitivity, food hypersensitivity or inhalant allergy.





The eosinophil's job is to attack parasites. It is drawn to areas where parasites occur %26amp; once there, it will release biological chemicals to kill the parasite. Cats with eosinophilic granuloma complex, eosinophils are called to the site of an allergic response %26amp; the Eosinophilic granuloma complex is a commonly observed in which a group of skin lesions affect the cat, mostly on the mouth, face %26amp; skin. There are three different lesions.





Indolent ulcer (also known as eosinophilic ulcer or rodent ulcer): This affects cats of all breeds %26amp; ages, although is seen three times as often in females as it is in males. Lesions most often occur on the upper lip (around the middle area), but can also be observed on the tongue. They appear as a raised, thickened red/brown ulcer which is well defined %26amp; glistening. Generally while they may look so, they are not painful to the cat.





Eosinophilic plaque: Once again, this is seen in cats of any breed or sex. The lesion can appear on any part of the body, but most often are seen on the abdomen or thighs. They appear as red, well defined, raised, hairless lesions which may be ulcerated.





Eosinophilic granuloma. (Also known as Linear granuloma or Collagenolytic granuloma: This is more commonly seen in males than females, and teenage cats (under 1 year of age) are most often affected. Commonly seen on the back legs lesions (although they can appear anywhere), appear as long, straight, thin lines which are raised %26amp; inflamed, and pinkish-yellowish in colour. Distribution on the face is seen as swellings %26amp; nodules on the bottom lip %26amp; the cat has a "fat chinned" pout. Footpads may also be affected by eosinophilic granuloma.





What causes eosinophilic granuloma complex?





No one cause has been found for eosinophilic granuloma complex. It has been suggested it is a reaction to flea bite hypersensitivity, food hypersensitivity or inhalant allergy.





The eosinophil's job is to attack parasites. It is attracted to areas where parasites occur %26amp; once there, it will release biochemicals to destroy the parasite. In cats the biochemicals cause damage to the local collagen when the soinophils respong to an allergen.





How is it diagnosed?





Visualisation of the ulcers by a vet.





How is it treated?





By identifying and treating any underlying cause where possible.





Steroids, Antihistamines, flea and worm treatments (ensure there are no parasites on the cat.)





Avoid %26amp; eliminate suspected allergens





If lesions are obstinant then surgical removal and further antibiotics may be tried.





A hypoallergenic diet may be of benefit as sometimes food allergies or sensitivity may be the cause. Allergy testing your cat may be useful in identifying the cause.
Does anyone have any experience with a diagnosis from the vet of "granduloma" - a skin disease...?
My kitty is going in for biopsy to see if this is what he has. This sounds just like what he has. This answer was full of what I needed to know in order to prepare myself for his possible course of treatment. Thanks! Report It

Reply:I had a lick granuloma removed from my dogs toe. It was absolutely huge. Everything was fine and it never came back.
Reply:you can ask your vet for a referrral to a veterinary dermatologist. She may have developed a food or environmental allergy that they can determine and treat.
Reply:It is never easy when a pet you love has a chronic disease. I have found, though, that they adjust to treatment. When my cat first started having seizures, trying to get phenobarbital in him was an experience I can't even being to describe; however, 6-1/2 years later, I'm a pro at pilling a cat and he is very tolerant. He also adjusted to his medication; in the beginning, he was lethargic, just laid around and barely moved, but very soon he got use to it and now its like a vitamin pill.





She might not need the shots forever, try to help her through it. The experience can be very bonding between you and an animal you save.