From the question:
Quote:
"My cat has had a skin condition for 11 years. In that time half a dozen vets and I have attempted to find a way to heal her, but so far only steroids help, and she has begun to have unacceptable reactions to them."
If I were you, I would get Wendell Belfield DVM's book, THE HEALTHY CAT
BOOK. Really eye opening on many fronts! Anyway, he has this to say about
feline skin diseases:
Quote:
"I feel a great number of skin problems we veterinarians see is testimony
to a problems in the food supply. The skin is the first organ to exhibit
signs of poor nutrition. I often administer Vitamin A to cats with skin
problems because frequently the trouble stems from not enough A in the diet.
Vit A is responsible for the integrity of the epithelium, a tightly knit top
layer of cells covering every surface of the body coming in contact with
foreign substances. Even a mild deficiency of Vit A is enough to manifest
some where along the epithelium network as a symptom. Depending on the
severity of the problem, I will sometimes turn to vitamin A alone for quick
relief. Short term daily doses of 10,000 IUs have been helpful in clearing
up many stubborn skin problems."
I would also consider applying a topical solution of DMSO/Vit A on your cat
as well.