My cat's steroid shot wore off. Why is he still licking his feet?

Question

my cat (16) received a depo medrol shot 3 days ago for a skin reaction . after a day he was doing much better, not chewing his feet or licking excessively. starting early this morning he is licking a little at his feet, is it possible for the drug to wear off so quickly?

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA · Accepted Answer

We don't have good data on how long these types of steroid shots last, and often it will only treat minor causes of inflammation and does not treat the primary cause. You should call your vet to say that your cat is again licking and discuss diagnostic testing or other treatments. Common causes of licking in cats include allergies, fleas, and mites. Other possible causes can be related to autoimmune disease, neurologic disease, diabetes, etc. The vet may recommend blood work or x-rays based on what they think may be going on.

My cat's steroid shot wore off. Why is he still licking his feet?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?

My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?

My dog's matted fur bled after cutting. Should I take him to the vet?

Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?

My new pet is squirmy when I hold her. How do I make her comfortable?

Share