Infected Cat Paws/Nailbed

Question
Took my cat to vet 2 weeks ago for red sore butt and diahreaa (had for about 3 days). Two nail beds in front paw were a little red and slightly puffy. No other symptoms. He seemed to be "pulling" at those nails for a few days. Cat (K.C.)perky and eating and drinking as normal. Urinating fine. Vet clipped nails on all paws very FAST. Temp normal. Took KC in back lab rooms for X-Rays/blood work. KC was shaved in butt and tummy area and foot area for blood draw. Brought him back to exam room. He was highly agitated. He had a huge "bald" spot on his neck below his ear. They cleaned ears deeply and found some "yeast". Sold me ear cleaner and drops I've used . While ass't. was ear cleaning KC agitated (wrapped in towel) and repeatedly banged head very hard on exam table until I made them stop. Vet put cat on metronidazole 250 mg a day 7 days (very difficult to administer- had to cut pills in half for 2x daily which compromised enteric coating to "slide" in throat and became powdery and uneven with pill cutter. As soon as pill hit ANY moist saliva in cat's throat, it would foam and bubble up - wrapped in pill pockets, cat chewed and same result - had some success with wrapping in cheese/deli meat) Zeniquin 25 mg 14 days. Had to wash hind area with ChlorhexiDerm shampoo daily and apply Neo Predef powder. Also to soak paws in shampoo daily.   X-Rays (inconclusive) Blood work geriatric profile (KC is 16 yrs old) ok except glucose was +194. Vet said could be from stress of visit. Urine sample. +1 glucose, "trace" of blood "maybe due to hind end irritation and infection" . Fecal sample negative. Blood work showed "infection" but could not get from vet just what it is - repeatedly used "medical speak" terms. Problem: Prior to vet visit cat perky, eating fine, drinking fine. Cat now lethargic, losing LOTS of hair, coat and skin feel "moist" almost like he is "sweating", front paw nail beds getting worse even with soaking - now 14th day since visit and antibiotics. Nail beds red, swollen and have greenish waxy substance oozing and between beds - cat keeps licking, Also hind and front legs now involuntarily having spasms even when "curled" under cat resting. Eyes are weepy and nose crusty 3 days after visit and continues. He is still eating and drinking and urinating and defecating ok..stools are formed but soft.  He is obviously in pain from feet, and is now squinty and eyes "tearing". I have another cat in the house that I'm worried about now although he seems to show no symptoms.  I am hesitant to return to same vet, cost was $500.00+ and I still don't know what's wrong while original problem seems solved and now new and more severe ones appear. Called vet office several times and depending on who I'm talking with, I get different answers, possible problems and urgency to bring him back in for more blood tests, maybe ultrasound and samples estimated to be an additional $400.00+. I love my cat.He's been fine for 16 years..no problems. Always had vaccinations, etc. Money is usually not an object, but I have to be realistic in budgeting and what is feasible in this economy as I've been laid off.  I feel guilty, trapped, frustrated and still in the dark about what was initially wrong and what may be wrong now. Sorry for the rant..just need some guidance. If you can. Thank you so much!  Norah

Answer
What a fiasco.  I am not sure what to make of these nails unless that is some type of problem with blood supply to the nails.  I would not worry too much about an ear infection.  Without looking at the cat and all of the tests, I really can't tell you what is going on.