Lump on a cat's stomach after sterilization: should I worry?

To understand why tumors appear in cats after sterilization, you need to understand what operations to “disable” the reproductive function in females are. In modern veterinary clinics such procedures are carried out in one of the following ways:

• laparoscopic;
• classical.

Laparoscopic .
Through small (up to 1 cm) incisions on the abdomen, a laparoscope (tube with a video camera) and a manipulator are inserted into the abdominal cavity. Carbon dioxide is supplied to raise the abdominal wall so that the surgeon can see all the organs. Directly in the abdominal cavity, the ovaries and uterus are removed and removed through incisions, bleeding vessels and tissues are cauterized with a laser or electric current. The cat requires virtually no post-operative care. If the incisions are smaller than 0.5 cm, they are not sutured, but sealed with medical glue. Classic method . The incision is made along the linea alba of the cat's abdomen. The aponeurosis (wide tendon plate) of the abdominal wall is dissected, the muscles are not affected. The surgeon removes the ovaries and uterus, ligates the vessels and cuts off the organs. The peritoneum is sutured with special threads, which dissolve on their own after a certain time. Such seams do not require any special care; during this period the main thing is to ensure that the cat cannot reach them.

During the rehabilitation period after sterilization, lymphatic fluid may accumulate in the cavity formed under the external suture, forming swelling visible to the naked eye. This symptom usually appears 2–5 days after surgery. The “tumor” does not cause discomfort to the cat, does not require treatment and resolves on its own.

Post-operative swelling is normal and should not cause any alarm to the pet owner. If the appearance of swelling near surgical sutures is observed after laparoscopy or is accompanied by suspicious symptoms, consultation with a veterinarian will be required.

Alarming symptoms

What signs of deterioration in health in an animal that has recently undergone sterilization should alert a caring owner? First of all, the cat owner should suspect something is wrong if, more than 2 days after the operation, his pet still shows signs of abdominal pain:

• screams a lot and loudly;
• refuses food;
• if he lies, then only on his side or on his back.

Another alarming sign is a temperature that does not subside for a long time. Normally, surgery provokes an immune response in the cat’s body, as a result of which the thermometer consistently shows a value greater than 39°C for 3 days after the operation, which is completely normal.

However, if the tailed patient’s temperature does not decrease either on the fourth or fifth day after sterilization, this is already a clear sign that an inflammatory process is underway in the body, and the lump that has formed on the pet’s belly is its direct consequence.

After sterilization, the following symptoms may appear:

• allergic reactions (rash, swelling of the mucous membranes);
• lethargy, drowsiness;
• arrhythmia;
• loose stools or constipation;
• urinary incontinence;
• enlargement of the mammary glands;
• wheezing breathing;
• bleeding of sutures.

Sometimes more than one of the above symptoms may occur. As mentioned earlier, signs of the inflammatory process are increased body temperature and redness of the skin. If you do not contact a veterinarian in time, complications can lead to the death of the animal.

Important! Post-surgery lumps are often confused with a mammary tumor in a cat. There is a difference between them. In most cases, the lump goes away on its own. The tumor only grows over time, and similar tumors form next to it.

Reasons for appearance

There are many reasons for the appearance of lumps on a cat’s belly after sterilization. Let's look at the most common of them:

• Postoperative swelling. This is a safe and harmless reason for the formation of a lump after surgery. It occurs for physiological reasons due to the healing of tissue damaged as a result of the incision. It is worth noting that despite the possible impressive size (up to 5 centimeters in diameter), the formation itself does not cause the animal any discomfort. The swelling subsides on its own within 3–5 days after surgery.
• Hernia. The formation of a postoperative hernia is a more dangerous phenomenon that can lead to significant health problems for the animal. The cause of its occurrence is the divergence of the suture of the abdominal wall. This is due to the fact that in the process of making the incision, the veterinarian has to cut through several layers of tissue - the skin, the subcutaneous fat layer, the muscles of the abdominal wall and, in fact, the peritoneum itself. After the operation is completed, tissue stitching occurs in the reverse order. Sometimes it happens that the suture on the peritoneum is made incorrectly, as a result of which it diverges and a small gap is formed into which the cat’s internal organs fall out. They protrude, which on the outside looks like a lump or lump. Postoperative hernia is a complex pathology, the treatment of which involves repeated surgery.
• Ligature fistulas. They are formed as a result of inflammation and suppuration of non-absorbable threads that were used to make a surgical suture. At first they may look like small bumps on your cat's belly. The bumps very quickly develop into pustules, which are foci of infection. The disease requires repeated surgical intervention in rare cases; usually treatment is conservative, and it is aimed at eliminating the infectious process.
• Accumulation of lymph. If the lymphatic vessel is poorly sutured, the lymph may leak and accumulate, forming a lump. Over time, it resolves on its own or is removed with the help of drainage.

My animals had just an accumulation of lymph. The accumulated fluid was pumped out of the dog with a syringe. In cats, the cones resolved on their own within 2 weeks.

When to see a doctor

During the recovery period after sterilization, it is recommended to show the cat to a veterinarian. How painlessly and quickly she recovers largely depends on this.

Of course, lumps, which are postoperative edema, are quite physiological. In this case, contacting a veterinarian is not required. However, if the lump has a large diameter, a rash, redness appears around it, and ichor or pus is released, then this indicates the seriousness of the pathology and requires prompt seeking veterinary help.

Increased drowsiness, lethargy in behavior

The recovery process after anesthesia can last from 12 to 18 hours. During this time period, the cat may exhibit unusual behavior such as lethargy, vomiting, nausea, or lack of appetite. Some individuals may remain in this state until the sutures are removed. The operating veterinarian must answer any questions the owner has about the care of the cat and its behavior after surgery.

One way or another, the cat needs rest after a difficult operation. It is recommended to leave her in a calm, quiet place and limit access to her by children and other pets. During this period, the cat needs to get enough sleep and restore its own strength. Despite all the friendliness and affection of the purr, during the recovery period after surgery, she can behave aggressively. If the cat has obvious prolonged lethargy, lack of appetite, constant vomiting, or swelling of the suture, it is necessary to immediately show it to a veterinarian.

Sometimes owners notice the cat trembling at this time. The fact is that during this period the cat’s temperature drops significantly, so it is important to provide her with a warm place and good conditions for warming it up. In this case, the trembling should stop.

What to do if a lump forms on your stomach

As mentioned above, if the swelling does not subside for several days, increases in size, festeres, or the pet feels unwell, be sure to contact a veterinarian to avoid serious complications. The veterinarian, having established the cause, will prescribe symptomatic treatment aimed at normalizing the general condition of the operated animal.

When a postoperative hernia forms, if there is no pinching, the problem is solved by repeated sutures or reduction of the hernial protrusion. If the process is started, surgery may be required.

If the tumor is malignant or benign, the veterinarian, after tests, decides on the choice of treatment. The animal is prescribed maintenance therapy or surgery.

In any case, the choice of treatment methods for the appearance of a lump on the abdomen, above or below the suture, depends on the root cause, the general condition of the cat, and diagnostic results.

Important! Do not self-medicate so as not to harm your mustachioed pet. All manipulations and therapy should be prescribed by a veterinarian.

Signs of a strangulated hernia

If the female shows anxiety when pressing on the bump, then it is necessary to immediately show her to a veterinarian, since pain may indicate a strangulated hernia.

Without timely surgical intervention, this leads to prolonged compression of blood vessels and nerves, causing the areas of the compressed organ to die.

Other symptoms of a strangulated hernia include:

• loss of appetite or complete refusal to feed;
• constipation;
• vomit;
• redness and increased local temperature in the area of ​​protrusion.

Important! Infringement of the bladder greatly complicates the act of urination and can lead to rupture of the organ. In this case, the only way to save the animal is immediate surgical intervention.

Preventing the appearance of a lump on the stomach

In order for the postoperative period to pass calmly and without the development of complications such as the appearance of a lump on the abdomen, you should carefully follow all the veterinarian’s prescriptions.

Make sure that for the first two days the cat does not jump from a height or show excessive activity. Coming off of anesthesia, reflexes are dulled, the body is weakened, and behavior is unpredictable. Therefore, do not leave your pet uncontrolled.

The seam should be regularly treated with disinfectants until it is completely healed. To prevent the cat from licking it and tearing out the threads, a blanket is put on it. Some animals manage to get out of this “clothing”; for such cats it makes sense to use a protective collar.

As soon as your cat shows interest in food, feed her small portions. Food should be nutritious and easily digestible. You can give special foods intended for feeding during the postoperative period or formulations for sterilized, neutered animals.

Proper prevention and systematic proper care will help the cat return to normal faster after sterilization. If there are no complications and you follow all the veterinarian’s recommendations, the rehabilitation period will take no more than five weeks.

After sterilization, a cat has a lump under the seam: what to do

In any case, complications are reported to the veterinary surgeon. If postoperative swelling has developed, the swollen surface is treated with an antiseptic spray that forms a protective film. The condition of the swelling is monitored, and re-treatment is carried out if the need arises.

If a significant amount of lymph is released, the veterinarian installs drainage or prescribes a wound-healing powder. The abscesses are opened, the wounds are treated with antimicrobial external agents.

If a hernia has formed, a repeat operation is performed.

Consequences of sterilization

A high temperature – above 39 degrees – may indicate the onset of a complication with the pet’s health after surgery. This temperature within 3 days after surgery is considered normal, but after the fourth day it is necessary to urgently seek help from a veterinarian. When the animal's temperature drops, you need to do everything to keep the pet warm: move it to another place, cover it with a blanket, rug, put a heating pad on it. If your cat still does not show signs of active behavior, you should seek help from a veterinarian.

What is the most effective method for removing a postoperative hernia?

Our surgeons are fluent in endoscopic technology, but this technique is not always applicable for complex hernias. Often, much better results can be achieved by open hernioplasty.

Based on many years of experience in hernia repair, our surgeon will choose the optimal access method based on the characteristics of your particular disease.

The main factor in the successful outcome of hernia surgery is its impeccable technical execution. Poor surgical technique can ruin any method, even the best one. If all stages of the operation are performed correctly, then with any type of access the probability of hernia recurrence is minimal.

Is it necessary to put a blanket on your cat?

Cats may react differently to sutures. If some animals do not notice such changes at all, others may even damage the sutures. The cat owner must take all measures to protect the stitches from the animal itself, including due to the possibility of introducing various types of infections and bacteria from saliva. An effective way to eliminate negative consequences is the use of a specially adapted blanket that fits tightly to the cat's body. It is recommended to remove such a blanket only after complete recovery.

Diarrhea, constipation

As a result of sterilization, the cat's stool may change and constipation may occur. After surgery, some animals may experience difficulty going to the toilet; constipation and diarrhea develop, accompanied by fairly severe pain attacks. The following signs may indicate constipation:

• lack of appetite;
• plaintive cries;
• failure to go to the toilet;
• trembling in the tail.

If constipation occurs, it is necessary to ensure that the cat takes laxatives prescribed by the veterinarian and adjust its diet. Among the household ways to relieve constipation, one can highlight the use of a tablespoon of Vaseline.

Diarrhea occurs as a result of the use of narcotic drugs that have a toxic effect on the body during surgery. When diarrhea occurs, the cat poops liquid feces, and the owner is advised to introduce restrictions on drinking and eating, and give the cat the drug prescribed by the veterinarian. As a household way to prevent diarrhea, you can prepare rice water for your pet.

Are there non-surgical methods for treating incisional hernia?

Treatment of postoperative hernia is carried out only with the help of surgery - hernioplasty. There are several methods used depending on the stage of development of the hernia.

The intervention must be performed as early as possible, because A long-existing hernia is prone to progression and the appearance of various complications.

The use of new technologies, the use of modern plastic and suture materials, and many years of experience of our surgeons guarantee the highest quality of operations to eliminate postoperative hernia, the absence of postoperative complications and relapse (recurrence of the disease).

Castration

A cat needs about 2 days for complete rehabilitation. If before this the cat was walking along the street, then after the operation it is advisable to leave the pet at home, even against his wishes. Immediately after cooperation, the male’s nutrition will be rather meager. As a rule, on the second day it begins to go away, the previous diet is resumed, it is allowed to begin treating the stitches, and release the pet into fresh air. It is necessary to monitor the onset of constipation, diarrhea and the effect of stool on the stitches. If there is a suture dehiscence or swelling, the cat does not go to the toilet, constipation or diarrhea occurs, it is necessary to change the dressing and adjust the diet.

The last requirement is due to the need to avoid a situation where the cat becomes like a round ball. Provide proper and balanced nutrition and the physical activity necessary for this time.

Lack of appetite

During the period after surgery, the question arises about the cat's diet?

The way out of this situation, according to most veterinarians, is intravenous nutrition or liquid food in the form of broth, which is fed to the pet from a pipette or syringe. During the recovery period after sterilization, a cat may change its taste preferences quite often, for example, not eating food that it previously really liked.

This shouldn't be a cause for concern either. It is necessary to include vitamins in your diet that your doctor recommends. There are separate recommendations for feeding a cat during the recovery period after sterilization. Such rules should include:

• assessing the volume of water consumed and ensuring unlimited access to it;
• constant vomiting is a sign of “coming out” of anesthesia, so it is entirely possible to completely stop feeding;
• Do not give the animal too much food;
• It is better to choose a semi-liquid diet that will not cause constipation.

Do you want to get rid of a hernia quickly and permanently?

You're lucky to have found us. Contact us for advice.

• We will conduct an in-depth diagnosis of the condition of your abdominal cavity
• We will select for you the optimal treatment method from the entire range of modern high-tech surgical techniques
• Our highly qualified specialists - candidates and doctors of medical sciences - will perform the operation using the latest technologies, expensive specialized equipment and materials
• Your stomach will become healthy and beautiful, and traces of the intervention will be completely invisible to prying eyes
• We will carry out follow-up examinations and monitor your abdominal condition for six months to ensure there is no recurrence (free of charge)