Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A couple weeks ago we noticed bald spots on my outdoor farm cat. We have had him for 4 years. The spots were getting worse so we took him to our vet. The vet had never actually seen a case before (we live in a small community) and had to look it up in a book. The baldness is symmetrical located on his back, and hind legs. We could treat with hormones or the baldness might just stop at some point. He is very warm outside with an insulated cat house and straw. He also received his vaccinations at this visit. Just today I noticed he some discharge from both eyes and is sensitive to light. I was trying to clean his eyes so I could determine what type of discharge it was (clear or yellow/green) but he wouldn't let me. I have always been told that an eye discharge could mean a respiratory infection. He is eating and drinking normally. Has anyone seen anything like this before - it is now the weekend and unfortunately none of our vets work weekends. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

He should probably go back to the vet next week. You might want to scope out an emergency vet somewhere within a reasonable drive, however. If he becomes listless, refuses to eat, or seems to behave oddly in any way then there is something going on that needs attention fast. I don't think you chould ignore the discharge from the eyes even if it is clear.

Good luck!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Thank you. I have located an emergency vet about an hour away (hope it's not a real emergency as that is very far). His appetite is still really good and he is walking around and everything. It appears to be mainly in one eye and I almost think he might have been in a fight with the other male cat(they fight quite often - nothing too serious) I am keeping my eye on his eye for now but if it keeps up for the next day or so I will take him back to my vet. Otherwise the baldness has stopped progressing so I am happy about that!

He doesn't sound really seriously ill at this point, so I hope you were able to avoid a trip to the emergency vet. Keep us posted as to how the cat is doing.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Thank you. Sparty is doing so much better. I was able to look at his eye in the daylight and they are both wide open and bright. It almost looks like he may have had a small scratch toward the inner corner of his eye. But it is not leaking anymore and they are both wide open (before he almost seemed sensitive to light and had it partially closed). He is eating very well and comes out to be petted and rubbed. I check on him at least twice a day (he is an outdoor cat) and he has an insulated cat house with straw (I live in Canada so it is just below freezing). The baldness seems to have stopped progressing further. Sparty and his wife are doing well and are still inseparable! Thank you for your concern and I did not have to see the vet.......this time!

Sounds like you and the cat dodged the bullet this time. Thanks for the happy update!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!