My cat has a raw, bald patch on her back after vacation. What to do?

I really do not know what that is from. If he has been over-grooming or scratching a lot I would be worried about fleas. If he has no other symptoms you can try this wound spray gel on that area to see if it helps. I do see some red bumps in that hairless area. If no improvement after a few weeks then you should have him to the vet for an exam. It should have nothing to do with renal disease or diet. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-cat-wound-and-skin-hydrogel )

It is difficult to say what the wound is from. I suggest you clip the hair around it as short as possible (be very careful not to cut his skin). Then apply this wound spray gel 3-4 times per day. If no improvement after a couple days or it starts to look worse then you will need to get him to a vet. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-cat-wound-and-skin-hydrogel

Hello. It is very difficult to know exactly what this might be, but it does resemble a healing abscess. If she is constantly licking the spot, then you might want to put a light Elizabethan collar on her to prevent further self-trauma. But, if she is not bothering the area, then just keep an eye on this for the time being. Anything you put on it will just get her licking it off & perhaps doing more damage to the skin. Any additional concerns, it is best to have your veterinarian physically examine the skin for additional possible treatment. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localised spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria but fungal infection is possible). A check up, appropriate disinfection and eventually antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid licking (if any). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hair loss is that area could be a few things. If you are using a topical flea medication and applying it there, that could be the cause. Cats can also get skin mites, allergies or ringworm (which humans can get), or an injury. Could the dried blood be from her scratching with her hind paw? From the photos, I don't appreciate any hair loss around the ears. Minor wounds can often heal on their own. Monitor the lesion closely, if it doesn't begin healing within a week or if it starts looking worse, have her examined by the veterinarian. Also make sure she is not scratching at the area. Best of luck.

That is definitely an interesting pattern of hair loss. I suspect this has to do with some sort of trauma. A scrape if he was trying to get “through” something, a chemical or thermal burn down the back, even a reaction to a topical medication such as a flea and tick application. From the picture the skin appears pretty normal, but pictures can be deceiving. If the fur does not appear to be growing back soon, or if it looks to be spreading then I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

You can use this wound spray gel, 3-4 times per day on the affected area. If she starts to act sick at any time (not eating, very lethargic, vomiting, etc) then she needs to see a vet. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-cat-wound-and-skin-hydrogel