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My foster kitten has crusty skin and hair loss. Is it her medicine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 3 days old | 0.5 lbs

My foster kitten has a weird skin thing going on. Ringworm scan was negative. No pus or discharge or funky smell. Complete underside as well as all four legs and paws affected. She is currently being treated for URI with SQ clindamycin injections BID. Fur/skin has crustys all over that fall off with clumps of hair. Could this be from the SQ clin? Could this be/does this look like a skin infection? Allergy to formula? I'd like some ideas before going to the shelter vet as she is very busy.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 9th, 2018

I would advise having a fungal culture done. Ringworm doesn’t always fluoresce with the black light. It may require a culture to rule it out. It could also be a bacterial infection. If the skin issue started after the Clindamycin was introduced, there is a possibility that it’s use in the way that you are administering it may cause a serious skin problem. The injectable Clindamycin should only be administered intravenously or in the muscle. SQ administration can cause toxic epidermal necrolysis. I would strongly recommend that you see a veterinarian ASAP with this little kitten. Perhaps a full service vet instead of the shelter vet as they will be able to do the fungal culture, etc. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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