Analysis of coat brushings and fur samples: To check for parasitic infections such as mites, fleas or fungal infections.Other tests the veterinarian may recommend include: Miliary dermatitis is easy to diagnose based on presenting symptoms. Are there any other symptoms you have noticed?.Is the cat up to date on flea treatment?.How long have the symptoms been present?.The veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your cat and obtain a medical history from you. Alopecia (baldness), itching may or may not be present and an unpleasant odour to the skin. Skin infection:Ĭrusts and scales, often with short hairs which are easy to pull out. There will be a foul-smelling discharge from the affected area. Other symptoms include fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.Īs the abscess grows in size, the skin thins out and eventually, the abscess will rupture. Abscess:Ī singular, firm, marble-sized painful lump. Mites:Īreas of thinning hair or hair loss, crusting skin, intense itching. Lesions are most common on the head and ears although can develop on any part of the body. Ringworm:Ĭircular, scaly red lesions which start small and increase in size, pustules, and itchiness. Other symptoms associated with miliary dermatitis include itching and hair loss. The skin on the back feels dry and gritty, and the cat’s skin may twitch.Īs the neck is easier for the cat to scratch, trauma to the area can occur, resulting in open wounds where the cat has damaged the skin. Small, dry, hard, millet-like scabs on the back, close to the tail and around the neck.

Cat sis on back of neck