Licking fur off to the point of raw wounds

[sigmond4]

My cat had flies but for the past 2 months he has been treated wiyh frontline plus and is flea free.  Now he has spots on he back, neck, and sides that he constantly licks.  Some of the spots are raw and bloody at times.  What could be wrong with his skin?

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

The raw spots and licking are due to itching/allergic dermatitis and likely a secondary bacterial skin infection. Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction which can be triggered by the bite of only one flea, so it is important to make sure all pets in the household are on Frontline Plus, and that the environment has also been treated with a good premise spray such as Knockout. Once the allergic reaction occurs, continued licking and secondary infection can then perpetuate skin inflammation even after all the fleas have been killed, and so I recommend taking your cat to your veterinarian for examination and medications to treat secondary infection and reduce itching/licking. If his symptoms persist or recur, then other possible allergic skin diseases such as food allergy or pollen/dust allergies may be the cause.
Good luck,
Kimberly Coyner, DVM DACVD
Dermatology Clinic for Animals of Las Vegas
www.dermvetvegas.com

[sigmond4]

Spike?
Thanks again!
Holly