Question:
My 7-year-old male Maine Coon cat has a condition that results in puffy and inflamed pads. This foot problem will improve for a period of time and then become more troublesome.We have been told it could be an immune-deficiency problem and treatment would be Prednisone. We are very concerned about this steroid being a long-term situation. We do soak the pads in warm water, trying to relieve the inflammation. Please advise.
J.L., Golden Valley, MN Feb 05, 2006
Answer:
I believe that your veterinarian's diagnosis is correct and that your poor cat probably has an immune-system disorder, most likely eosinophilic granulomatosis. A short course of prednisone treatment is in order. British veterinarians have reported some success also using doxycycline.Avoid exposing your cat to biting insects, like mosquitoes, and to any stress, including vaccinations that may further compromise his immune system.Treatment with essential oils (ideally under veterinarian supervision) might be helpful. Apply a few drops of myrrh, frankincense and lavender (diluted in olive or almond oil) between the cat's paws two to three times a day for 10 to 14 days. Do not soak your cat's paws in water. These and other essential oils have remarkable antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune system-supporting properties, and I hope more research in this area of veterinary aromatherapy will be conducted in the future. There are several nutraceutical supplements that you can put in your cat's food to
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