My cat has a minor surface abrasion on left shoulder, just to the inside of his shoulder blade. He's had this about 2 weeks, I've been caring for this normally. He keeps licking it open again and will not let scab heal. No fever, lethargy, discharge or limping. Slight hair loss around site, as normal. Site is no more than half inch long, but is getting larger in girth as he opens the site. Was size of rice grain, now seems to be size of #2 pencil eraser. I just cant get it to heal.

Updated On July 9th, 2022

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 8 years old

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

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Hello, my name is Dr. Elizabeth and I am happy to help. I hate to hear this lesion on Patch is not healing. I think the main thing to address is the licking. The first thing you need to do is stop the licking (since this can make it worse). Patches should wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Remember that the collar must come out past her nose in order to be effective. Next, wear gloves to handle the lesion and be sure to wash your hands afterwards. Get pet wipes that contain Chlorhexidine. Cleanse the area twice a day. This will help to control the number of topical pathogens as well as remove oil and dead skin cells. Lastly, after the area is completely dry, apply a topical antibiotic twice a day. Just a dab will do and rub it in well. Neosporin is fine to use. Again, wear gloves or apply with a q-tip. Patches needs to be indoors at all times. Cats can't wear elizabethan collars outside as they are a choking hazard if they were to get hung up. She can only wear the collar if she is in a safe environment. If the spot is not much better in 1 week, if it gets worse at any point or if the lesion is not completely healed within 2 weeks, Patches needs to be examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

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