Senior cat with CKD has scabs on head and neck. What should I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Typically a flea allergy causes scabs at the base of the tail if a pet is allergic. A flea product (from a vet- not over the counter) would not hurt her, even if there isn't fleas. And even if you don't see a flea, it doesn't mean they aren't there. If it doesn't help, she may need an antibiotic if there is a skin infection. Good luck and kisses to Minxy!

If you have ruled out fleas/skin mites. I recommend to have him tested for hyperthyroidism and if that's not the cause, have him on a 12 week food trial with a hydrolyzed protein diet. You must start moving down the list of potential causes of the skin lesions. Atopy is still on the list but is harder to test for so rule out these other causes first. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Dark scabby areas on the head and necks of cats are often attributable to a complex known as eosinophilic plaques. Many are allergic in origin, and respond to a change in diet (hypoallergenic diets such as those made with "novel" protein and carbohydrate sources or hydrolyzed diets such as Hill's z/d) and treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Some studies also point to a tie-in with feline herpes virus. Diagnosis is made via biopsy. These lesions can occur on the lips, inside the mouth, just about anywhere on the head or on the pads of the feet. I've also seen them on the abdomen. Again, it's really important to get a biopsy done, because the appearance can mimic some cancers (squamous cell carcinoma) and also some fungal diseases that are quite serious.

Ouch! Those are some major hot spots in that photo. I would recommend having Lili seen by your vet so the area can be clipped and cleaned and any medications such as pain or antibiotics can be given to help it heal a bit faster. I'd also keep Lili from scratching or pawing at it as this can introduce bacteria and more inflammation which can slow healing. If only Lili is affected and you're not noticing other issues like parasites, etc, it is possible there is an allergy underlying. She could be rubbing up against something causing the itchiness, or could have an ingredient allergy to something in her food (or a treat if the spots correspond with intermittent feeding of a treat or wet food). Other issues such as an underlying illness like an immune or metabolic issue can also cause scabbing and skin issues that affect only one cat in the household. A vet visit is a good option at this point both to treat the current scabs and to see if a food trial, allergy meds, or additional testing such as bloodwork to rule out any underlying health issues may be beneficial in finding the cause.

If you are concerned that Gypsy might have a dermatologic issue, she should be brought into a veterinarian to have some diagnostics performed. This can include skin scrapings, cytology, fungal / bacterial cultures, and allergy testing. Other problems that can cause skin issue in cats are various vitamin and mineral deficiencies as well as a number of endocrine disorders. Endocrine disorders do not usually produce itchiness however, making this a less likely scenario.

Scabs like this could be caused by allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), or a bacterial or fungal skin infection. If you're positive that he doesn't have any fleas, then I would recommend having him examined by a vet when you are able to. It sounds like he will probably need antibiotics and a short-term steroid or other anti-inflammatory medication to treat the problem, and the vet can also talk to you about options to prevent this issue from recurring in the future - such as a diet chance to a prescription hypoallergenic diet, or a daily allergy medication if needed.

The scabs on his belly look like they could be caused by infection or allergy. I would have Jaffa seen by a veterinarian who may prescribe antibiotics or anti-allergy medication. You can also try medicated sprays, wipes, or shampoos to see if those help. Omega 3 oil's support good skin health and you may consider adding them to his food.