Hi,

Bentley recently went to the hospital and was catheterized for a urinary blockage. His food has been changed to a Hills prescription diet. While combing his stomach today I noticed a lot of "black specks" smaller than pepper on his tummy and underarms. They do not scrape off with my fingernail and are on the skin not attached to the fur; however the base of the fur looks dirty (he is a flame point with white fur and pale pink skin). He does not scratch and he doesn't seem bothered. He does not have fleas. Does anyone have any idea what these spots could be?

Thanks,
Umm

Well my first thought was fleas. I know you say no but youd be surprised that one little one could be brought in on your shoe. Here is a test to see, get one of the specs off of his fur, put it on a piece of paper towel or toilet paper, wet it, fold in half and open, if the spec turns red then it is flea dirt. If not, then I am not sure, has he rolled in catnip at all? I'm not sure if feline acne will be on the tummy or under arm, its usally on the chin. Thats the only other thing that is black specs that I know of.

I tried the flea test and he is on Frontline.

My first response was flea dirt as well.

The spots won't come off even when I use soap and water. The hair is also falling out in these areas. At first, I thought the vet had shaved him, but there was no reason to shave him on his chest and underarm.

It's actually just oil/dirt from the glands that are located there. If you use Goop to degrease your cat, it will desolve the spots. Nothing to worry over. Goop is an automotive hand cleaner that can be bought in the auto dept at most Walmarts. You apply it to the dry coat and work it in with warm water. Shampoo then goes on top of that to degrease the cat. If the spots are red, they are a rash, more than likely caused by a food allergy or heat.

Yeah Muffins has that and she gets checked for fleas every time we go to the vet...never had them. Vet said its fine.

Thank You I have some goop on hand and will be giving Bentley a bath tomorrow. I was worried that he had some kind of a skin disease. Bentley will not be happy - he hates his baths. This site is so helpful

This is an update on Bentley. He is now loosing hair around his eyes, chin, and front paws. NBC had a report tonight on counterfeit Frontline Plus (see my post with links) and stated that some pets have allergic reactions to the pesticides in the counterfeit products. Unfortunately, I have been using a counterfeit product but didn't know it was counterfeit until tonight ). I have an appointment with my vet tomorrow. Hopefully she can help.