Causes of lumps on a cat’s belly, diagnosis and treatment

Sometimes owners, when they discover lumps on a cat’s belly, try to treat the animal themselves, but this is not possible. Some formations under the skin are not dangerous, but there are also dangerous ones, so self-therapy can worsen the situation. Let's find out what can cause a lump in a cat and how to act in such a situation.

The main reasons for the appearance of lumps on the stomach of cats

The causes of a lump under the skin in a cat can be harmless. These include:

• Small balls that form after an injection. They do not pose any danger, since without any treatment they resolve on their own over time.
• Consequences of a wasp or other insect bite.
• Mats on wool. Of course, it’s difficult to mistake them for a bump, but this option also happens.

However, there are more serious types of formations. If after the appearance of one bump new ones begin to appear, then this can be a very bad sign. It is likely that this is a malignant formation. But there is no need to rush with premature species.

Treatment depending on the cause of the appearance of the ball under the skin

Your dog has a lump under the skin on his back or side

If a neoplasm is noticed in an animal, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian. The tumors are removed; no ointments can help with their treatment. If the lump is due to suppuration, it is opened and washed with a disinfectant solution.

When a hernia appears, it is removed with massage or a tight bandage. In extreme cases, surgical removal is resorted to.

Lipoma is rarely removed; in most cases it is treated with ointments and other medications.

Mastitis responds well to treatment with compresses and antibiotics. Sometimes massage is used. For mastitis, a novocaine blockade, physiotherapy, and, in extreme and advanced cases, surgery are also often prescribed.

Cancerous formations are treated with chemotherapy, and then surgery is performed with further removal. It is important to pay attention to whether metastases have occurred, so as not to waste time and take the right treatment tactics.

As for benign formations, if they are small in size and do not bother the animal, surgical intervention is not required. When a soft lump appears on a kitten’s stomach, as a rule, this is a benign neoplasm; conservative treatment methods are most often prescribed.

Benign tumors can be treated with medications

Subcutaneous tumors, such as abscesses and cysts, are treated conservatively, but they cannot be neglected. The specialist washes and treats the area with furatsilin and hydrogen peroxide. In the most difficult cases, additional antibiotics are prescribed. At home, it is better not to squeeze pus out of wounds, as it can enter the bloodstream, and, as a result, blood poisoning or a recurrent abscess will begin. Moreover, there is no need to wait for the abscess to open on its own.

Cysts can form due to clogging of the glands, they can be filled with sebum-like contents, and they can be follicular.

For lymphadenitis, the cat is prescribed medications that eliminate inflammation in the lymph nodes.

For infectious bumps, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.

In case of allergies, the cause is determined, antihistamines are prescribed and the factor that provoked the reaction is eliminated.

If a decision has been made to undergo surgery, then after the operation the animal is prescribed a course of antibiotic therapy, immunomodulators, and if we are talking about a malignant tumor, then a course of chemotherapy.

Types of subcutaneous formations and their symptoms

So, there can be many reasons why a lump appears under the skin. And this is not uncommon for cats. But the nature of such education can be very different.

Benign

If a pet develops a benign lump, there will be no changes in behavior or eating habits. The animal does not experience any painful sensations, and the formation itself is soft if you touch it.

1. Syringoepithelioma. Appears in the abdominal area in the form of a lump. The cause of formation is a violation of the activity of the sweat glands. Does not cause pain and does not grow.
2. Wen (lipoma). Can vary in size and is formed from fat reserves. Has no tendency to metastasize. If it begins to cause concern to the animal, it is removed through surgery.
3. In most cases, hemangioma is a congenital disease. The place of formation is the blood vessels located under the skin.
4. Benign formations in the prostate area in uncastrated cats that do not live a natural life are common. Adenoma is a growth in the form of nodules that can be compared in appearance to cauliflower. Localization may vary. The disease has a likelihood of degenerating into oncology.

Benign formations can pose a danger to the animal. So a “harmless” lipoma can cause lameness or suffocation in a cat. Therefore, they cannot be left without attention.

Malignant

They have several alarming manifestations. Very often the skin in the place where the lump forms becomes hot. Over time, it begins to grow, and the cat begins to show signs of malaise (loose stools, nausea, fever). The appearance of ulcers and purulent discharge from the lump should be especially alarming. There are quite a few types of such tumors.

Others

There are other types of neoplasms. These include:

• Cysts. They are a round ball with watery contents. The boundaries of education are clear. The animal does not experience any pain. However, they can increase in size and reach larger sizes over time.
• Inflammatory process in the paraanal glands. It appears in the form of balls located under the skin. Interferes with the activity of the excretory organs. The disease is inflammatory in nature, the animal cannot relieve itself, and the activity of the secretory glands is disrupted. Outwardly, it is easily confused with a hernia, but it can increase in size depending on the position of the animal’s body.
• Eosinophilic granuloma. It appears as a red formation on the skin. Has a tendency to quickly spread to tissues located in the vicinity. It looks like a wet wound affected by microorganisms.

Diagnostics

A lump on a cat’s neck: a ball under the skin, a tumor

An experienced veterinarian will immediately determine which direction the neoplasm belongs to, but additional examinations will still need to be carried out to clarify the specifics and adjust further treatment.

To make a diagnosis you need to undergo a comprehensive examination

To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will collect an anamnesis, find out the age of the animal, what kind of illness it had, what chronic diseases and health problems there are. Afterwards, the doctor examines the neoplasm itself, finds out how long ago it appeared and whether it bothers the pet.

After a clinical examination of the animal, the doctor will collect a general analysis of urine and blood, examine the heart, do an X-ray and an ultrasound to study exactly where the tumor is located and what its structure is.

Important! As a rule, all neoplasms that are benign have clear contours, smooth on the surface and not very dense. Malignant tumors without a definite shape, lumpy and rapidly growing in size.

If we are talking about a malignant neoplasm, then perhaps the doctor will prescribe a tissue biopsy for cytology.

Recently, there has been a tendency towards the frequent appearance of neoplasms in domestic animals. They can be life-threatening for the pet, or they can be harmless, but in any case, if a lump is detected, you should not hesitate. If, after sterilization, a cat has a lump on the seam, the animal should be taken to the doctor for treatment, and possibly new stitches.

Note! Changes in behavior, lethargy, and inactivity should alert the owner. The person himself cannot understand what exactly is happening to the pet, so the diagnosis and further treatment must be carried out by a doctor. The use of folk remedies is also rarely beneficial, and delay in cases of advanced forms of neoplasms and their active growth can take the cat’s life.

Mastopathy in cats

Mastopathy in cats

It is a benign formation in the mammary glands of cats. As the formations progress, they can degenerate into oncology. The disease leads to a deterioration in the pet’s well-being. It responds well to treatment in the initial stage.

Causes

Most often, the cause of the pathology is a hormonal imbalance. The trigger can be pregnancy, including false pregnancy, various gynecological diseases, mammary gland injuries, abortion in cats.

Forms of the disease

There are several types of the disease.

• In the diffuse form, small nodules of connective tissue are formed;
• The nodular form is manifested by the appearance of foci of compaction;
• In the mixed form, cysts and a process in the form of fibrosis are formed.

In addition, there are several stages of the disease. Depending on the characteristics of the course.

Symptoms

The first signs of the disease very often go unnoticed. However, you may notice changes in the animal's behavior. It loses its appetite, becomes lethargic, constantly licks its nipples, and aggression may appear for no apparent reason.

As the disease progresses, nodules begin to form in the cavity of the mammary glands, and the mammary glands themselves become painful. Gradually, the process invades the lymph nodes; discharge may appear in the form of a cheesy mass, in which blood and pus are present. The animal refuses to feed the kittens and meows.

Diagnosis of pathology

If you suspect, you should show your pet to a specialist. The diagnosis is made by examination by palpation. In addition, tests and a number of examinations, for example, ultrasound, are prescribed. To clarify the nature of the formations, a biopsy is performed.

Treatment and prevention

At the initial stage, treatment is carried out at home. If this is a recently lambed cat, then it is transferred to dry food and the amount of water is reduced. Kittens are transferred to artificial feeding. The doctor prescribes drug therapy and necessary manipulations. Severe forms are treated surgically. The danger of the disease is that in an advanced stage it develops into oncology.

The method of prevention is regular examination of the animal, protecting it from injury, as well as timely treatment of concomitant diseases.

Breast cancer in cats

One of the causes of mammary gland cancer in cats is advanced mastopathy. Most often diagnosed in older animals. In rare cases it occurs in cats, however, it has its own specifics. There are several types of cancer in cats.

Causes

As already mentioned, one of the reasons for the development of oncology in cats is advanced mastopathy. Cats develop intraepithelial cancer. The process develops due to the degeneration of epithelial or connective tissue cells. Depending on the type of cells that served as the “building material,” several types of cancer are distinguished.

Tumor stages

There are 4 stages of the disease. In the initial stages, the tumor is small. Therefore, very often the disease is not detected immediately. At stages 1 and 2, the animal eats normally, behaves actively, and does not show signs of anxiety. At the initial stage, the lump in the chest is no more than 1 cm. Closer to the second stage, its size can reach 3 cm.

The third stage is manifested by a significant increase in tumor size. It can already reach 5 cm. At the same time, the process of metastases begins. The lump changes a lot. Ulcers and wounds with bloody discharge may form on it.

The last stage is manifested by the active process of metastasis formation, as well as tumor disintegration. It can open and release contents with an unpleasant odor. In addition, the animal sharply loses weight, loses its appetite, and quickly weakens.

Clinical signs

It is not always possible to suspect the development of the disease from them:

• Slight increase in temperature;
• Bloody discharge appears;
• Ulcers and wounds may appear on the surface of the tumor;
• The animal experiences pain in the mammary glands;
• Rapid weight loss and lack of appetite are alarming signs;
• Minor lumps can be found under the skin.

Treatment methods

First of all, the cat undergoes surgery to remove the tumor. Often together with the affected organ. After this, chemotherapy is prescribed. It is worth remembering that a pet has the greatest chance of survival only at the initial stage. In a neglected state, it is doomed to death.

Prevention measures

According to experts, the only method of prevention is sterilization. After the very first heat. The animal should be examined regularly, and after 10 years of age, show it to a doctor.

What to do if the lump is bleeding or discharges pus

Mammary cancer in a cat: breast tumor

If the cat owner notices that the tumor has begun to bleed or that pus is oozing from it, then this is a very dangerous symptom that indicates a malignant formation.

Note! Sometimes a cat's lump under the skin on its abdomen can also be an abscess, which can rupture on its own. It is highly undesirable to wait for this, as the pet will experience pain and suffering. Even after septic treatment, pus may still be released for some time, so the wound must be treated and washed.

Very often, cats develop bumps that frighten their owners. The percentage that they are malignant is quite low, so if a neoplasm is detected, you need to take your pet to the doctor’s clinic as quickly as possible for a medical examination and to rule out the worst cases of the disease.

Other possible causes of belly bumps

Not in all cases, the cause of the appearance of lumps is oncology. These formations can be caused by inflammatory skin diseases and various types of hernias.

Inflammation of the skin

Bumps on the skin due to inflammatory diseases may vary in size.

Wen (lipomas)

Formed in the fatty layer of the skin. It is a round formation, sometimes in the form of an oval. When palpated, it rolls. It does not cause metastases, however, it has the ability to grow. May pose a danger to the animal depending on its location.

Hernias

May have different sizes. They can be as small as a pea in size. The most common area is the umbilical area, and can form in the groin. Lead to pinching of internal organs. Requires treatment.

Abscess in cats

This lump has purulent contents. The formation process itself is accompanied by increased temperature. Hair loss occurs in the area of ​​formation. If left untreated, the lump may rupture over time, leading to blood poisoning.

Lymphadenitis

The disease is manifested by inflammation of the lymph node. The affected node is characterized by swelling and immobility. The animal is in severe pain. The structure of the node is dense and has an oblong shape.

Ticks

A tick bite is often accompanied by an allergic reaction in the pet. It is caused by certain substances in the saliva of ticks. In response to a bite, a small bump appears on the cat’s body. The animal does not experience any painful sensations. The lump does not grow and may be itchy.

Scratches

A scratch is a damage to the skin. The affected area may become infected with germs. This leads to the development of an inflammatory process, which manifests itself as a lump. This is why scratches need to be treated, even if they seem harmless.

Mastitis

Mastitis in cats manifests itself in the form of small lumps that form on the nipples. As they grow, the size of the mammary glands increases, redness is observed, and the skin in the affected area will be hot. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, mastitis becomes a purulent process. Treatment requires antibiotics. Therefore, you will have to stop feeding kittens.

Hematomas

Bruises are manifested by minor hemorrhages under the skin. A lump often forms at the site of the injury.

Skin diseases

Various inflammatory processes often form on the surface of the skin. During the inflammatory process, a boil forms in the hair follicle. Over time, it opens and pus appears.

Carbuncle is also an inflammatory skin disease. The location can be any part of the body. May be large in size. Accompanied by the discharge of pus.

Lump as a consequence of vaccination

If a cat has a bump on its withers some time after vaccination, this is most likely the body’s reaction to the administered vaccine. It may be of low quality, or the animal may simply have an individual intolerance to the substances that make up the drug.

Usually the lump is small in size, pops up one to two weeks after the procedure and resolves on its own. Some cats may experience a change in fur color in the affected area. If the neoplasm bothers the animal, the discomfort is minor.

Treatment in such situations is not prescribed, however, to speed up the process of resorption of the bump on the withers, alcohol solutions can be used. Compresses are made on their basis. Take regular vodka, moisten a gauze cloth folded several times with it and apply it to the bump for about ten minutes.

When the compress is removed, the remaining solution is removed with a damp towel. The swelling on the cat's withers after an injection goes away in a matter of days. In rare cases, the complication can be more serious. For example, the following may develop :

• An abscess is a purulent inflammation that forms due to infection of a wound. The bump from the injection on the withers is hot to the touch and hurts a lot. The cat is suffering. Body temperature may rise. A purulent abscess is treated by opening the tumor and treating the affected area with antibiotics.
• Post-injection sarcoma is an even rarer complication in cats than an abscess. It is a malignant formation. The lump does not go away for a long time - several months. It is firm, but often painless. In such cases, radical therapy is used. The bump on the withers is removed, including nearby tissue areas. Radiation or chemotherapy may be prescribed as additional methods.

After vaccination, owners need to carefully monitor the animal, regularly inspecting the injection site. If a lump has formed and it does not go away for a long time, causes discomfort to the cat, bleeds, becomes covered with ulcers, or the skin over it becomes bald - these are serious reasons to consult a veterinarian.

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Diagnosis and treatment of cones

If you find bumps in your cat, you should show your pet to a specialist. It is very important to establish an accurate diagnosis of the animal in a timely manner. Treatment for the lump will depend on the diagnosis. The sooner the cause of the bump is determined, the more effective the therapy will be. If oncology is detected, remission can only be achieved by treating the disease at an early stage.

Basic and additional therapy

Therapy is prescribed depending on the diagnosis. It is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease. Purulent bumps on the body are opened in a veterinary clinic. To eliminate inflammation, a course of antibiotics is prescribed. In addition, it is necessary to treat the affected areas with antiseptic drugs. If a diagnosis of oncology is established, then therapy is chosen according to a different principle. First, the animal’s tumor is removed, then treatment is selected according to the appropriate regimen.

What to do with purulent and bleeding seals?

If a purulent seal forms, you need to show your pet to a specialist. Treatment of such a serious inflammatory process as an abscess should be carried out in a hospital setting. It is dangerous not only due to the formation of pus, but also by poisoning the cat’s body with decay products.

The abscess is opened by a doctor and treated with special solutions. The doctor places drainage tubes.

Bleeding lumps require examination in a clinic. Because it is necessary to establish the cause of their formation.

A tumor on a cat's stomach can be of different types.

So, the formation of a tumor on a cat’s abdomen is a common occurrence. It can be benign or malignant in nature. Depending on what tissue turned out to be the “building material,” malignant tumors come in different types.

In males, a fairly rare type of cancer occurs - intraepithelial. Cancer in females also varies. It could be carcinoma. It is formed from epithelial tissue. Another type is adenocarcinoma. Its “building material” is glandular tissue.

How to prevent stomach tumors in cats

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the development of tumors. However, it is possible to keep your pet healthy for as long as possible. To do this, you need to organize the right diet for her. It does not include leftover food from the owners. The animal should be fed only with specialized food.

You can add vegetables and fruits to your diet; they are seasoned with vegetable oil. Food is selected depending on the age category, as well as taking into account the state of health. It is very important to prevent the occurrence of stressful situations for the animal.