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

A tumor in a cat’s abdomen is a neoplasm in the tissues of the body, which is in no way regulated by the animal or its owner. It may consist of cells that multiply on an ongoing basis, and then transfer their destructive properties to new cells. After studying this material, you will find out how long a cat with a tumor will live, what treatment modern veterinary medicine offers and other valuable information. It is imperative to study information one way or another related to this disease.

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.

Mastitis

It is a consequence of early weaning from a nursing mother, sometimes - diseases of the genital organs, damage to the nipples or false pregnancy.

The mammary glands become inflamed and swollen, become hard and hot, and the body temperature rises. This is what a Sphynx cat looks like:

If a nursing female is sick, milk may not be released or will come along with pus. The doctor, after the necessary tests, will make sure that there is no cancer and will prescribe treatment.

If the illness is mild, he will prescribe compresses and massages at home; if it is severe, he will prescribe medications, including antibiotics, or even surgery.

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.

Cancerous degeneration of the mammary glands

Let's start with the most terrible diagnosis. How can you avoid a sad outcome? It has long been known: if you detect trouble at the very beginning!

Breast cancer is recognized by this sign: the tumor grows quickly, and there is usually more than one of it, because “trouble never comes alone”: the number of smaller swellings also increases quickly, and the localization sites at first are near the nipples closer to the groin.

These warning signs are a reason to run to the vet!

Then the bumps become dense, bleeding, painful, with a purple-pink tint. The photo shows a severe case, but don’t worry, it can be eliminated:

Since at the beginning of the disease the cat’s health is normal, as the disease progresses, it will begin to lose weight and lose appetite, and this is the second threatening “marker”! Therefore, in order not to start a tumor, to successfully get rid of it and thereby save the life (!) of your pet, you need to examine and feel its body more often in order to see a doctor early.

The photo shows the view after a successful operation:

Treatment, even in an advanced form, sometimes (but not always!) helps to prolong life by several months and reduce discomfort in this condition.

At risk are older and unsterilized animals (who are given “Sex Barrier” and all other anti-estrus drugs, the instructions for which always (!) contain a warning about the danger of oncology, even from several uses - from 1 to 3 times!).

Veterinarian advice: you need to sterilize your ward at 11-12 months, when the genitourinary system has formed, or between the first and second estrus, first having received the necessary vaccinations, and from the age of 6 - regular examination in the form of medical examination for early diagnosis of cancer, if it decides to start in your tail!

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.

What to do:

- in all cases of abdominal enlargement, it is necessary to consult a doctor, regardless of the age of the animal - there are no options for “it will resolve on its own”!

– the faster the belly enlarges, the more urgent it should be to see a doctor. If there is a simultaneous significant deterioration in your health, you must go immediately to the clinic, where an ultrasound/X-ray and, if necessary, surgery can be performed.

– to independently monitor the amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity, you can use weighing + measuring the volume of the abdomen with a centimeter tape. Nevertheless, primary importance when choosing treatment tactics is given to the general condition of the animal and the degree of tension in the abdominal wall, and not to weight/volume.

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.

Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

The diagnostic task is to differentiate ascites from other diseases with similar symptoms, for example, from exudative peritonitis. Thus, with peritonitis, an increase in temperature, pain when pressing on the abdomen, and a significant number of leukocytes and proteins are observed.

And finally, the most obvious sign of peritonitis is the transience of the disease. With ascites, as mentioned above, the disease has a long development.

Necessary diagnostic methods for suspected ascites include:

• taking anamnesis;
• analysis of clinical symptoms;
• palpation of the abdominal cavity;
• urine and blood tests;
• X-ray of the peritoneum, sternum;
• Ultrasound of the chest and abdominal cavity;
• fluid examination;
• endoscopy;
• biopsy.

Differential diagnosis helps to identify the underlying pathology that caused ascites. Without determining the provoking factor, it is impossible to prescribe adequate treatment, since the amount of fluid will increase with each relapse.

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.

In what cases should you contact a veterinarian?

The most dangerous causes of an enlarged abdomen in a kitten are peritonitis and ascites. Without timely veterinary care, the pet may even die. How to recognize these dangerous pathologies:

• Peritonitis is an inflammation of the abdominal cavity of an animal. It is necessarily accompanied by the following symptoms: elevated body temperature;
• vomiting;
• refusal of food;
• weakness;
• apathy.

Peritonitis and ascites are life-threatening conditions, so you need to take the kitten to the vet as soon as possible. Only a specialist can treat these pathologies, and sometimes even minutes count.

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.

Owner's actions to treat the wound

If there is a cat with mammary cancer in the house, then the owner should know how to treat the cat's tumor. Veterinary experts recommend treating an unopened tumor without signs of infection with a chlorhexidine solution or a 0.5 - 1% furatsilin solution. Migstim spray is easy to use.

The drugs used will not have a therapeutic effect on the cancerous tumor, but will slow down the development of purulent-necrotic processes in the affected organ and alleviate the general condition of the pet.

Ointments are used only after thorough drainage of the pathological focus. To treat the surface of oncological ulcers, the following agents are used:

• "Levomikol"

• "Sulfargin"

• "Solcoseryl"

• "Actovegin"

• “Oflocaine.”

The choice of one or another product must be agreed with a veterinary specialist.

If a tumor has been opened in a sick animal, the owner should immediately contact a veterinary institution to provide qualified assistance. If for some reason a visit to a veterinarian is not possible in the near future, the owner should know how to treat neoplasms on the chest of cats. The following antiseptic solutions are suitable for these purposes:

• ready-made chlorhexidine solution,

• 1% solution of furatsilin,

• 2 - 5% solution of potassium permanganate, etc.

You can wash the ulcers and the exposed tumor with sterile saline solution.

The 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, iodine tincture, alcohol solution of brilliant green, and Miramistin, which are widely used in everyday life, should not be used for the treatment of ulcers of oncological origin because of their high concentration. These antiseptics damage granulation tissue and have a toxic effect on healthy cells.

Cat blanket

If a cat has a tumor, how to remove the smell is a question often addressed to the veterinarian by owners caring for sick animals in the final stages of the disease.

Opening a tumor is almost always accompanied by an unpleasant putrefactive odor. This phenomenon is due to the fact that cancer ulcers are poorly aerated, as a result of which anaerobic microflora develops, giving the cancer tumor a specific odor. The decomposition of protein and sulfur-containing amino acids that make up the protein structure of tissues causes a sharp putrid stench from a sick animal.

To reduce this phenomenon, the owner should regularly monitor the cleanliness of the exposed tumor, remove necrotic tissue, drain open wounds, and treat ulcerative surfaces with antiseptic solutions. To remove putrefactive odor, apply sterile dressings and replace them as they become dirty.

After antiseptic treatment and application of ointments, the animal should wear a blanket to avoid contamination of the open wound and licking of the pathological focus.

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.

Benign tumor

This is a lipoma (or wen). It is enclosed in a capsule, has clear boundaries and, unlike malignant tumors, does not tend to grow quickly, is round or oval, soft to the touch, and moves under the skin.

It is usually monitored, and if removed, it is only in extreme cases - for example, if it is too large, interferes with the cat's daily activities, or is itchy. Although it is not fatal, it is necessary to show it to a doctor to confirm this particular diagnosis:

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.

Recommended clinics

If you find lumps on your cat’s belly, you should contact a clinic that immediately has a surgeon, oncologist and dermatologist to quickly determine the cause and further treatment.

Moscow

• Veterinary clinic White Fang. There is a branch in Kaliningrad. They work around the clock. There is an MRI machine. There is an oncology department.
• Network of veterinary clinics Medvet. Vilkovysky I.F. – chief physician, head of the surgical department, leading surgeon. Candidate of Veterinary Sciences.
• Veterinary center Komondor. Wide range of veterinary services. There is an animal rehabilitation unit. The clinic’s doctors are active participants in veterinary conferences and symposiums.

Saint Petersburg

• Vetus veterinary clinic network. Oncologist Tamoshkin D.A. – chief physician, lecturer at St. Petersburg veterinary surgical conferences.
• Pride Cancer Center. MRI available. Chief physician Bryushkovsky K.Yu. He is a candidate of veterinary sciences and teaches at the St. Petersburg State Academy of Veterinary Medicine.

Murmansk

• Animal care. The clinic has been operating since 2006. Chief physician Ivaneeva O.E. – a general specialist.
• Clinic Ivetas. The first clinic in Murmansk with equipment for endoscopic operations and other types of research.
• Veterinary clinic Favorit. Conducts a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Cooperation has been developed with the Clinic of Neurology and Intensive Care of Dr. V.V. Sotnikov, St. Petersburg, and the White Fang Clinic, Moscow.

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Quantity

Signs of swelling

Limited edema, that is, when a limb or face of an animal swells, is easier to recognize than general edema. Because the difference between a healthy paw and a swollen one becomes visually noticeable. Edema can be post-traumatic, allergic, or associated with a disease of the internal organs.

Edema is characterized by:

• swelling;
• skin tension;
• hyperemia of the skin and local temperature due to the allergic nature of the edema;
• redness, followed by bluishness and soreness in case of injury.

The more fluid there is in the tissues, the denser the area of ​​edema and the more unpleasant it is for the animal to palpate. When the swelling is extensive, the skin along with the swelling may itch and even hurt. If a limb swells, it becomes difficult for the animal to walk.