Why cats may have headaches and how to treat them

Veronica Igorevna Sharipova

veterinarian Petstory

Papillomas in cats are a fairly rare pathology and are caused by infection with a special virus - papillomavirus. In general, papillomaviruses are DNA viruses that cause the formation of warts in various animal species, including humans. They are characterized by unusual, unpredictable behavior: warts can suddenly grow, then just as suddenly disappear, and then grow again. Papillomas develop after the virus penetrates the skin. Its thickening develops, followed by destruction of the normal structure of the skin and hyperkeratosis. Typically, such changes begin 4-6 weeks after infection.

Description of moles

Unfortunately, it is difficult even for a specialist to visually distinguish a benign formation, that is, a mole, from more serious formations. In addition, analyzing the questions of cat lovers addressed to veterinarians, it becomes clear that non-specialists mistake formations on the skin of a pet of varying degrees of malignancy for moles: papillomas, melanomas, hematosarcomas, squamous cell carcinoma. And even small lipomas and a tick attached to the animal.

• congenital and acquired;
• vascular and pigments;
• flat and slightly rising above the surface;
• By color, brown, black, and sometimes moles of other colors are also found;
• By size they are divided into: small (0.5-1.5 cm), medium size (1.5-10 cm), giant (more than 10 cm).

Moles are benign neoplasms; they rarely become malignant (malignant), but it is still possible. In this sense, giant moles are considered the most dangerous.

What is cancer?

Cells in a living organism constantly die, and new ones take their place. Cell division occurs through a phenomenon known as mitosis - when one mother cell divides into two others, with an even distribution of chromosomes.

When the process is disrupted, mutant cells appear that begin to divide uncontrollably at a high speed. These new cells form rapidly developing tissue, which inhibits healthy cells, suppresses and disrupts the functioning of organs and systems, depleting and weakening the entire body.

A healthy body under normal conditions destroys mutated cells, perceiving them as foreign, but sometimes this does not happen and either external or internal factors are favorable for the development of cancer cells. In this case, new growths arise, the malignant forms of which are known as cancerous tumors.

Causes of moles

There is still debate about the reasons for the appearance of pigmented formations.

One theory is that it is a hereditary defect. Moles are congenital formations, but at first they are so small that they are simply not visible to the naked eye. Over time, under the influence of environmental factors, they increase in size and become noticeable.

Another theory attributes not only heredity to the causes of the phenomenon. That is, it is believed that some moles appear on the cat’s body, because this is embedded in the DNA. In addition, sunlight, or more precisely, the ultraviolet part of the spectrum, stimulates the movement of melanocytes to the epidermal layer of the cat’s skin.

Solar radiation, which is beneficial for plants, is harmful to the skin of mammals in excess amounts. It can affect the growth of pigment formations. X-ray radiation may also be a factor that will affect the growth of moles and even their malignancy.

Hormonal stress or disruptions resulting from pregnancy, castration, illness and other factors can affect the size of moles. Moreover, hormones, unlike other factors, can lead to both the appearance of pigment formations and their disappearance.

Predisposing factors

Scientists are still figuring out the causes of cancer and there is no final consensus on this matter. But there are a number of factors known that can weaken the body and indirectly provoke the development of cancerous tumors; below are some of the most significant of them:

• hereditary predisposition - skin cancer is more common in white animals, especially when exposed to irritation;
• hormonal imbalances, which in females can lead to breast cancer;
• ionizing radiation.

Dark spots

Quite often, attentive owners notice spots on their pets that they like to call “freckles.” What is it really and what does their appearance threaten the pet with?

Lentigo

In ginger cats and tortoiseshell animals, a skin defect occurs, which in medicine and veterinary medicine is called lentigo. These are dark spots, similar to pigment spots. Many veterinarians associate the appearance of lentigo in cats with the color of the animal.

The first spots are of medium size from 1 to 10 mm. Lentigo is a limited hyperchromia (increased pigmentation) of a melanocytic nature. The dark spots have clear contours and first appear when the pet is one year old. The usual location is the eyelids and lips. Later, more spots form on the animal’s nose and lips. Education does not apply to precancer. Most often, lentigo has no medical consequences. However, this formation can become malignant.

Vitiligo

In cats, there is also the disappearance of certain areas of pigmentation. This disease is called vitiligo. And it is hereditary. At the age of a kitten, vitiligo is not noticeable. Then, during adolescence, the cat develops discolored spots of varying sizes on its skin. Sometimes the coat and even the claws lose color. Most of the depigmented spots form on the animal's face. Over time, these spots may become cloudy. There are times when they disappear altogether, although this rarely happens. They do not cause any inconvenience to the animal and do not threaten its health.

How to warn?

Cats are quite clean animals, so rashes on the lips, apart from hereditary ones, are quite rare. A poorly balanced diet and the inability of a cat to replenish its diet with the vitamins and minerals it needs leads to an imbalance of the entire body. The owner needs to monitor the animal’s food and wash the food bowl on time, since bacteria multiply well in dirty dishes, which can get into the mouth while eating. Air pollution and frequent psychological stress from aggressive behavior with the pet by its owner can also cause the appearance of spots and spots. Only the care and quick reaction of the owner to any changes in the behavior or appearance of the pet will give it a long and happy life.

Formations that are mistaken for moles

The formations that are mistaken for “hanging moles” and considered completely harmless have a very different nature. Some neoplasms really do not pose a threat to the life of the animal, while others are very dangerous and insidious.

Melanoma

One of the most insidious malignant tumors that “masquerades as moles” is melanoma. It also consists of melanocytes, like moles, but is not as harmless as they are. Melanomas are very aggressive tumors; they easily grow into deep tissues and even bone structures. They are difficult to treat, including surgical removal. When they appear, the prognosis is very doubtful. Fortunately for cats, such formations are rare.

Papillomas

These are benign tumors of viral etiology. Animals owe the growth of these formations to the papillomavirus. Papillomas are papillary-like skin formations or growths on the mucous membrane 1-3 cm in diameter. In cats, papillomas are most often colored black and have an uneven, spongy surface.

Most often, papillomas appear on the head in cats. Papillomas themselves are not dangerous. Their potential threat lies in their tendency to malignancy. Veterinary practice indicates that papillomas quite often become malignant. The risk of malignancy increases if papillomas form in the animal's mouth.

Hemangiosarcoma

This is a malignant neoplasm containing the walls of blood vessels, usually it is dark red, actually black. Hemangioma protrudes above the surface of the skin. Tumors are most often found on the animal’s head. This is explained by the effect of direct sunlight on this area. Fortunately for cats, this is a rare disease in cats, as the tumor is very aggressive and prone to metastasis.

Squamous cell skin cancer (carcinoma)

A malignant formation that is most often observed in the ear, nose and eyelids of an animal. It is believed that the appearance of carcinoma is due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin of the animal.

A red spot forms on the affected area of ​​the animal, sores may appear, and hair may fall out. Ulcers heal with rough tissue. Usually the tumor is limited to healthy tissue. But metastases to the nearest lymph nodes and lungs are not excluded.

Lipoma

This is a benign neoplasm of the color of the skin of an animal, mobile, soft and painless. Consists of adipose tissue. As long as the tumor does not grow and does not compress surrounding tissues, it is not dangerous for the animal. In this case, a trip to the veterinarian is justified by the fact that a more aggressive formation can be mistaken for a lipoma or wen.

The head of the tick that has burrowed into the animal’s skin is not visible, and its body, swollen with the cat’s blood, resembles a papilloma or lipoma. Usually, experienced cat owners still distinguish ticks from neoplasms.

Foreign bodies

When foreign materials enter the nose, inflammation and irritation may develop around them. Sometimes foreign material can be seen during rhinoscopy. In some cases, foreign objects can be removed from the nose using grasping instruments or rinsing. To rinse the nose of an animal under anesthesia, a liquid (saline solution) is injected. Sometimes visual examination methods: CT or MRI are required to detect foreign material.

Diagnostic methods

As discussed above, various methods are used to diagnose the cause of nasal abnormalities. A complete examination for nasal disorders includes:

• MRI or CT - these highly effective visual diagnostic methods can better distinguish the details of the nasal cavity than x-rays.
• Rhinoscopy is an examination of the nasal mucosa (the outermost layer) using a rhinoscope.
• A biopsy of tissue from the nasal cavity for histological examination (where a histologist examines the tissue under a microscope) and microbiological culture.

These procedures are performed under anesthesia, so additional baseline blood tests are often required to ensure the absence of systemic disease. If systemic diseases are present, it may be necessary to change the drugs used for anesthesia.

• Complete clinical analysis to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
• Biochemical analysis - assessment of liver and kidney function indicators, protein concentrations, electrolytes.
• Urinalysis - assessment of liver and kidney function.
• Blood pressure measurement. We try not to biopsy tissue from the nasal cavity if the patient has high blood pressure, since this makes it more difficult to stop the bleeding.
• Coagulogram is a blood test for clotting. It is important to make sure that the blood is capable of normal clotting before performing a biopsy.
• Chest X-ray. We recommend a chest x-ray to identify possible spread to the lungs and to ensure that there are no other lung problems that could increase anesthetic risk.
• Echocardiography is mandatory for all cats to exclude structural and hemodynamic pathologies.

Treatment

Moles do not require any treatment or special care.

It is not advisable to injure them. And if this happens, then the healing process must be monitored carefully. Prolonged healing of the wound is a reason to contact a specialist. If large areas of skin are pigmented, then it is not advisable to allow long-term exposure to UV rays on your pet’s skin, since ultraviolet radiation is one of the causes of malignancy of moles.

When diagnosing another formation, treatment will be based on its type and aggressiveness.

Common warning signs

Early detection of cancer is critical to saving your pet. There are specific signs of the development of tumors of different types, but owners should be aware of some of the most important warning signs, the presence of which should immediately raise concern and raise suspicions of cancer. These are the warning signs:

1. The presence of swelling on any part of the body that becomes larger, especially if the swelling is hot, red, painful, or the surface is ulcerated.
2. Long-term non-healing wounds that do not respond to local treatment and antibiotics.
3. Rapid weight loss, refusal to eat, general depression, weakness.
4. Abnormal bowel movements, bad breath, rumbling in the stomach, vomiting.
5. Strained cough, presence of blood in the sputum.
6. Lameness, painful swelling on the limbs.
7. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating, or any bloody discharge.

If any of these symptoms occur, you should immediately call an oncologist. Cancer develops rapidly, but if you contact a specialist early, the chances of saving your pet increase significantly.

Videos and Illustrations

Moles in animals

Moles

Lentigo

Papiloma

Hemangiosarcoma

Mites mistaken for moles

Melanoma

Squamous cell carcinoma of the ear

Vitiligo

CLICK THE LINK ASAP! ALL THE INFORMATION IS THERE -> https://azartplay777.ru/papilloms.cgi?19¶meter..

Moles Do cats have moles/freckles/birthmarks on their bodies? I mean, if you shave off the fur, what are the chances of them being found on the . . 30 Oct. G . - That is, it is believed that some moles appear on the cat’s body, because this is embedded in the DNA. In addition, sunlight, or rather . . Post by EnotJenya with tags Cat, Moles, Paws. Have something to tell? More than 2 million people visit Pikabu every day. Publish your . . Moles and other pigment spots in cats - symptoms, signs and causes of the disease, how to treat, what medications (tablets) to give, in what form. . Aug 16 G . — Mole on the Cat’s Belly vk /topic-65912995_35787084 · vk /topic-305200_35782921 · vk /topic- . . Aug 16 G . - says moles, but I noticed that many cats suffer from this. my cat (Teretsk Angora, white) appeared literally within a day on June 3, 18. G . — Good afternoon everyone, please tell me if anyone has come across this, my cat has something like a mole on her ear, my husband has a strong problem with this. . It is believed that cats have enviable health and easily tolerate any disease, but this is not true. Therefore, if you notice that the cat has become... . Moles are congenital formations, but at first they are so small that they are simply not visible to the naked eye. Over time, under . . In our section you will learn what vaccinations your cat will need, how to raise it correctly, and we will also tell you in detail about breeds and. . 23 05 — Home/Article/Dermatology/Pathologies accompanied by hyperpigmentation of the skin and fur in dogs and cats. . 29 Jun 2021 — The nose was always clean. But a week ago such a spot appeared on my nose. I tried to wash it, but it didn’t wash off. My husband says mole. 28 Nov G . - (Adriano Bacchella. Cats). Cat's paws deserve the closest attention and a separate story, they are so important. . 25 Jan G . — Cats are not only popular pets, but also... .

Routes of infection

Mycobacteria enter the cat’s body through the oral cavity or damage to the skin and mucous membranes. It becomes infected in one of 3 ways:

• aerogenic - she inhaled air contaminated with mycobacteria or dust particles. Bacteria enter them with sputum and nasal mucus;
• contact - there was direct contact with a sick individual (they met and played, fought, licked each other) or indirect - with her personal belongings and accessories (bowl, bed, tray, toys). In this case, the skin will become most vulnerable to the disease;
• fecal-oral (water or nutritional). Mycobacteria enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract. In the first case, the cat becomes infected from the milk of a sick animal, in the second - from its meat that has not been thermally treated.

At risk are animals with weakened immune systems (kittens, older animals, those who have suffered serious illnesses or suffering from chronic ones) and those living in large numbers in a small area (in shelters, foster care).

In what cases should you contact a veterinarian?

Black dots and spots on the cat's face and mouth (on the tongue and gums), even if they are just acne or moles, are a sufficient reason to contact a veterinarian. Any change in the skin creates a hotbed for bacterial or fungal infections, and only a specialist can exclude serious diagnoses with similar symptoms.

Timely treatment avoids complications and supports the cat’s immune system in the fight against infectious diseases. Even such a terrible diagnosis as melanoma is not a death sentence. If detected in the early stages, surgical removal and consolidation of the result with chemotherapy is possible.

In what cases should you contact a veterinarian?

Black dots and spots on the cat's face and mouth (on the tongue and gums), even if they are just acne or moles, are a sufficient reason to contact a veterinarian.
Any change in the skin creates a hotbed for bacterial or fungal infections, and only a specialist can exclude serious diagnoses with similar symptoms. Timely treatment avoids complications and supports the cat’s immune system in the fight against infectious diseases. Even such a terrible diagnosis as melanoma is not a death sentence. If detected in the early stages, surgical removal and consolidation of the result with chemotherapy are possible.

Danger to household members

Yes, the disease is dangerous for all mammals. The order of transmission of the disease is absolutely any; the owner can also infect a pet.

It is important to isolate the patient from other people living in the house - both people and animals (especially if among both groups there are small, elderly, pregnant women and carriers of HIV infection. They are all at risk. Once infected, they will get the most severe form of the disease).

Possible complications and their risks

Tuberculosis in cats often leads to severe complications - for the most part, animals die from them. A cat can die from:

• pulmonary hemorrhage (blood accumulates in the bronchial lumen);
• pneumonia;
• pleurisy (inflammation of the peripulmonary space with the formation of exudate);
• deformations of the heart (its right side increases and expands due to increased blood pressure, acute heart failure develops).

The miliary type of tuberculosis is the most fraught with complications. So-called tuberculous tubercles quickly form throughout the body, the brain is affected, and the patient’s body is partially or completely paralyzed. Impaired consciousness develops, which significantly changes behavior.

Tuberculosis is extremely dangerous for individuals suffering from the immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Along with this disease, FIV also progresses, and death is inevitable. It is caused by either leukemia or secondary infections.

Symptoms

Here there is a dependence of symptoms on the localization of inflammation. The most striking symptoms accompany the generalized form (several lesions at once). In other cases, symptoms will appear in one affected organ:

• lungs. Breathing becomes heavy, “barking.” In advanced forms, pulmonary hemorrhages and secondary infections are possible;
• Gastrointestinal tract. Signs of intestinal disorders, weight loss, loss of appetite appear;
• skin. The lymph nodes swell, and many non-healing ulcers appear. If the infection manages to penetrate deeper than the epidermis and reaches the muscle and bone tissue, the cat begins to move awkwardly and limp;
• eye. There is noticeable redness and inflammation of the mucous membranes, watery eyes, and signs of photophobia. As the disease progresses, contamination of the tear fluid is observed - purulent exudate is mixed with it, and the appearance of nodular formations on the surface of the eyeballs.

The immune system of the sick individual suffers to the maximum if the form of the disease is generalized. The body rapidly loses strength to protect itself, and there is a risk of developing various complications. The skin is exposed to pathogens of various infections - it becomes covered with ulcerations and non-healing wounds.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema

This type of edema is caused by any other (non-cardiac) causes and is characterized by increased permeability of the walls of the pulmonary vessels.

The causes of this swelling may be:

• electric shock, traumatic brain injury, seizures (neurogenic edema)
• infectious and non-infectious diseases (inflammatory edema)
• gastrointestinal disorders, liver diseases, fasting, etc.
• poisoning by toxins - inhalation of carbon monoxide during a fire, snake bite, poisoning, uremia (severe intoxication as a result of kidney failure), etc. (toxic edema)
• allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock
• sepsis
• neoplasms leading to blockage of lymphatic vessels
• entry of vomit into the respiratory tract (aspiration)

Diagnosis of tuberculosis in cats

If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately contact a veterinary clinic. The disease is diagnosed using the following research methods:

• general and biochemistry. With tuberculosis in cats, there is severe anemia, the calcium content is increased;
• Ziehl-Neelsen staining of microorganisms. A blood smear is taken, certain chemicals are added to it, and the reaction (changing color) is recorded;
• bacteriological culture. The development and reproduction of the pathogen in a blood smear placed in a favorable environment is provoked. A colony of mycobacteria allows us to determine both their type and response to antibiotics. But this is a long-term research method, and the patient is temporarily prescribed antibacterial agents with a wide spectrum of action;
• tuberculin test. A protein extract of mycobacteria (tuberculin) is applied to or under the epidermis. This is the same familiar Mantoux reaction; the disease is confirmed if the body produces a strong allergic reaction;
• biopsy or histology. A sample of the affected skin or tissue of the affected organ is taken. The second option is more informative; in advanced cases, it is this one that is used;
• X-ray of the lungs and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. This is how the exact localization of inflammatory foci and existing pathological changes are revealed.

The treatment plan is drawn up based on the type of tuberculosis bacteria. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor offers 2 options: antibiotic therapy or euthanasia.

Prevention

Humans have been successfully vaccinated against tuberculosis for a long time, but an effective vaccine has not yet been created for pets. But in most cases, animals whose owners violate the rules of keeping them get sick with it. Prevention consists of creating conditions unfavorable for infection:

1. Feed the animal according to its needs, high-quality dry and wet food or natural products with the addition of vitamin and mineral supplements. You can’t skimp on the quality of “natural” products. Your veterinarian will recommend specific supplements when the tests are done.
2. After returning from the street, wash your hands before you begin to communicate with your tailed pet. Don't pet street animals.
3. Regularly clean the rooms where you live with your pets - both dry and wet, ventilate them to get rid of pathogenic microorganisms.
4. Do not encourage hunting mice and especially rats. There are special means for pest control that are quite effective.
5. Do not allow free walking if the walking area is not fenced - this way you will not be able to control your pets’ contacts with infected animals. If your pets want to be “free”, driven by sexual instinct, spay the cat and neuter the male. This is not harmful, but beneficial for their health and safety.
6. Be sure to take your new pets to the veterinarian for a routine checkup. Before the examination, do not allow your animals to come into contact with new ones (especially those taken from the street) - do not bring them into the house or place them in a separate room for quarantine.
7. Try not to keep several individuals in a limited area. They also require a comfortable area to live; overcrowding leads to weakened immunity and illness.
8. Do not feed cats raw meat and offal - they may become infected. Don't give milk - you can get infected from it too. In addition, adult cats do not have the slightest need for this product, and its use is fraught with gastrointestinal disorders and allergic reactions. Kittens can be fed with specialized formulas sold in pet stores.

Monitor the health of the animal: if its body temperature rises for no reason, and it looks unhealthy despite good care, immediately have it examined by a veterinarian.