infected toes

[jackcat49]

My cat has some sort of allergy. We have ruled our food and fleas. We cannot afford another $300 vet bill to take him in so I'm hoping someone can give me some advice or information. What ever his allergy is has gotten progressively worse over the years. What started as a few scabs on his back or neck here and there has turned into full blown tummy sores from licking constantly. In addition, his toes are swollen around the nail and there are chunks of dried, dead skin around the nails and some have puss around where the nail comes out of the skin. I bathe him in an effort to sooth his itchyness. I try to clean out the dead skin under his nails and between his toes. I have put bactine on them, and hydrogen peroxide but I cannot seem to stop the infection. I have been wondering if he is allergic to the grass, or a particular plan in the grass but I don't know.
Has anyone seen a problem like this before?
Thanks for your help.

[opus88]

also found this short blurp....with a small mention. I'm just thinking since its an autoimmune disease, why not support his immune system and see it that helps....I can give you a list of kitty safe supplements which will do this.
also EFA's (essential fatty acids) in the form of Krill Oil is a good support for any skin condition in cats as well as dogs...let me know if you are interested in immune supporting supps and I will give you a list...of what is safe for kitties..

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2133&aid=236

[opus88]

hi Jack, well at least you are narrowing the causes down, I found a few sites with info on pemphigus foliaceus. see if these help...keep up the search, there has to be an answer.

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_pemphigus#.UI0SQIb5Ckg

http://www.petplace.com/cats/pemphigus-foliaceus-in-cats/page1.aspx

http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?&CID=WSAVA2003&PID=pr06701&O=Generic

good info on this site even tho its primarily focus is canine

http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?&CID=WSAVA2003&PID=pr06552&O=Generic

[jackcat49]

Hi Opus88,
I read the article and looked at the photo. Jack definitely does not have this. His pads are not infected. His toes around his nails are but the bottoms of his feet seem fine.
I'll look forward to your comment with regard to my next guess diagnosis: Pemphigus Foliaceus.

[jackcat49]

Hi,
THank you. I will read the link you sent. From my research today I'm thinking he possibly has an autoimmune issue called Pemphigus Foliaceus. We have done the food allergy tests with changing food. He ate rabbit and veal for about 3 months but there was no change in his discomfort.  There are no chemicals outside in our yard. Our house has wooden floors, with a throw rug here and there. He spends  a lot of his time outside, not by my choice but by his.
What do you know about the Pemphigus Foliaceus?
thanks.

[opus88]

found this very lengthy post with links that I gave at that time, and what others have done to find relief for their kitties with pododermatitis...do all the reading okay

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Cats/Plasma-cell-pododermatitis/show/1666260

[opus88]

yes this could indeed be allergies, why have you ruled out food? chicken especially is a very common allergen, have you tried a non poultry based food?
what abt litter, have you tried a walnut based....or any other non clumping clay litter?
have you eliminated all chemicals in your home? esp. chemical the kitty comes in direct contact with such as floor/rug cleaners, laundry soaps or fabric softners? all sprays..ie hair spray/room sprays? there can be multiple chemicals that set abt an allergic reaction..and with cats this ALWAYS manifests itself on the skin...

I will also send you a link to an article on Plasma Cell Pododermatitis...this is basically a swelling of the foot pads, can lead to infection and ulceration and is very very painful....read this and I will keep looking for additional info for you if you are interested post back...

http://vet.sagepub.com/content/44/1/80.full