Although cats are believed to have good health, sometimes the owner may notice lumps on the skin of his pet. They can have different shapes, be in one place or throughout the body, they can cause discomfort or not bother the animal at all.
In a cat, bumps on the skin can be either a benign formation that does not cause much harm, or the first symptom of developing oncology.
Let's look at what can cause bumps in a cat, which animals are at risk, diagnostic methods and methods of treating the disease.
Risk factors
Older animals are most vulnerable to the appearance of tumors on the skin. Over time, their immunity decreases and the body becomes more vulnerable to various diseases. The risk of developing cancer increases.
Other risk factors can be identified:
- Bad ecology.
- Heredity.
- Incorrect and poor quality nutrition.
- Constant stress.
- Mechanical injuries.
- Parasitic infestation.
- The presence of other chronic diseases, which reduces immunity.
- Allergy.
- Inflammatory processes in the body.
- Hormonal disorders (often found in unsterilized animals).
- Insect bites.
Causes of bumps on a cat's body
Bumps on a cat's skin can appear for a variety of reasons. In most cases, they are quite harmless and can be easily eliminated if necessary. In some cases, without timely consultation with a doctor and proper treatment, the animal may die.
Incorrect injection
Sometimes, after an injection, a small lump under the skin may be detected in a cat. Often it does not cause the animal any discomfort. If no infection gets under the skin during the injection, the lump will resolve after a few days. If the seal is hot and inflamed, and the cat is uncomfortable touching it, it is better to show the animal to a doctor. Perhaps the animal had an allergic reaction to the medicine, or an infection got into the wound.
Lipoma
This neoplasm is often called a wen. It looks like a small dense ball that can be rolled under the skin. It may appear in one place or throughout the body. In some cases, it can rapidly increase in size.
This is a benign disease that does not metastasize. However, at any moment it can develop into oncology (for example, if an animal scratches this area).
Lipomas appear due to:
- lack of movement;
- hormonal imbalances;
- disruption of the endocrine system.
In most cases, a lipoma does not cause any concern to the cat. Sometimes it can be located near nerve endings. In this case, the cat may feel pain when pressed. If the tumor is on the paw, the animal may limp.
Sometimes a lipoma forms in the area of the carotid artery, this can lead to the death of the animal. Lipomas formed in the spine area are also dangerous. They can lead to compression of nerve endings and paralysis.
Hematoma
Formed as a result of mechanical trauma. Bleeding occurs under the skin. The hematoma can reach quite large sizes. Swelling, redness and inflammation appear on the skin, and swelling is possible. If the animal did not have any associated injuries, the hematoma itself will soon decrease in size and disappear completely. In some cases, the hematoma can transform into a cyst.
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Abscess
It can even appear from a small wound if it gets infected. Pus begins to accumulate under the skin and swelling forms. It can cause the animal quite a lot of discomfort. Body temperature rises significantly, and hair in the affected area may fall out.
Over time, the abscess may open on its own, after which pus will begin to come out of the wound. If the wound is completely clean, the inflammation may soon go away completely. It is also possible that pus will begin to accumulate in this area again. In the worst case, blood poisoning can occur. That is why it is better to show the animal to a veterinarian immediately.
An abscess can occur due to:
- insect bite;
- incorrectly given injection;
- contamination of wounds or scratches.
Insect and parasite bites
Insect bites can lead to infection of the wound and the formation of abscesses. They can cause an allergic reaction, which can result in severe inflammation of the skin.
The tick can penetrate deep into the skin, causing the cat to develop slight swelling. You should contact your veterinarian to have the parasite removed. Under no circumstances should you tear it off, otherwise parts of the tick’s body may remain in the skin and begin to fester.
It is worth remembering that ticks carry life-threatening infections for cats. Therefore, it is better to avoid any contact with them altogether. The animal should be periodically treated with special products that will protect against tick bites.
Lymphadenitis
Two symmetrical bumps form under the cat's jaw. They are quite painful. The animal feels unwell, so its activity drops significantly; loss of appetite. Due to a bacterial or viral infection entering the body, severe inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs. Lymphadenitis often appears against the background of serious diseases, which may well lead to the death of the animal.
Mastitis and mastopathy
Inflammation of the mammary glands often occurs in unsterilized cats. Swelling forms in the nipple area. The lump can reach large sizes. Often, when touching the inflamed area, the cat feels severe pain, its body temperature may increase, and the animal’s activity decreases significantly. During feeding, blood and pus may be present in the milk.
These diseases can appear in young cats that have never given birth as a result of hormonal imbalances. They can also be associated with stagnation of milk if the cat has lost her kittens.
Eosinophilic granuloma
A small dense red spot appears on the skin. Most often it forms on the cat's upper lip or belly. In the first stages, there are no other symptoms of the disease. Over time, the spot enlarges and turns into an open wound.
On the face, it affects the cheek, neck and chin. Bacteria can enter the wound, which often leads to inflammation, the formation of abscesses and pathological changes in the internal organs.
Cyst
A cyst is a formation whose cavity is filled with serous or purulent fluid. It can appear on any part of the animal's body. Often the pathology does not cause much discomfort. Develops as a result of blockage of the sebaceous glands, or disruption of lymph circulation.
The cyst can have different sizes. Due to injury or other reasons, it may rupture, causing fluid to leak out.
Some parasites (alveococcus, echinococcus) can lead to the formation of cysts. They are also dangerous for humans. In this case, the cat needs to be shown to a veterinarian. The cyst must be removed.
Inflammation of the paraanal glands
Swelling and redness appear in the anal area. Small red bumps form. The animal holds its tail high, rolls its butt along the floor, or often licks the anus. Activity decreases and appetite disappears. Constipation may occur due to inflammation. There is a disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Hernia
It may appear as a result of injury, improperly performed surgery, or be congenital. Internal organs prolapse into the abdominal cavity, causing swelling to appear on the skin. It can be of different sizes. It is often soft to the touch. If you press lightly, you can return the organ to its place, but soon it will fall back into the abdominal cavity.
At first, the animal may not experience much discomfort. Over time, your cat may develop a fever. She will feel pain when touching the tumor. In the worst case scenario, the hernia may be strangulated, which will lead to tissue necrosis and intoxication. In this case, the animal may die.
Oncology
The lump can appear anywhere. Often it gradually increases in size. In addition, your cat may exhibit the following symptoms:
- decline in activity, apathy;
- weight loss;
- poor appetite.
Oncology is a deadly disease. Without timely and correct assistance from a doctor, the animal will die. This is why it is so important to diagnose it in the early stages. Even if a small growth on the animal’s skin does not cause any particular concern, the cat should be taken to a doctor and checked. Delay can cost the animal its life.
Types of lipomas
Wen in cats can be single in appearance, or can be multiple in nature, especially in the presence of concomitant diseases (deviations in the functioning of the endocrine system). This multiple formation of wen is called lipomatosis.
According to the nature of germination, a lipoma can be simple or infiltrating:
- A simple lipoma has clear boundaries and, as it grows, does not affect the surrounding muscles, so it can easily be surgically removed.
- Infiltrating lipoma grows into the thickness of the muscles and vascular bundles and does not have a clear boundary. It is this type of neoplasm that tends to degenerate.
Dangerous symptoms
Often, the appearance of a benign formation on a cat’s skin is not accompanied by any additional symptoms, and the animal does not feel any discomfort. However, you need to monitor the condition of the lump, even if it seems harmless.
You should not allow your cat to scratch the swelling, as this can lead to infection of the wound. If the tumor quickly increases in size, looks inflamed, and fluid is oozing from it, you should consult a doctor. This may indicate pathological processes that occur in the animal's body.
Symptoms that should cause concern:
- increased body temperature;
- decline in activity;
- loss of appetite and sudden weight loss;
- nausea and vomiting.
Cones can form locally in a specific location. Most often they can be found on the head, abdomen, neck, and limbs. Sometimes tumors can appear throughout the body. If there are more and more of them, you need to urgently consult a doctor.
References
- Russian Society of Dermatovenereologists and Cosmetologists. Federal clinical guidelines for the management of patients with trichophytosis. M.: 2015.
- Federal clinical guidelines. Dermatovenereology 2015: Skin diseases. Sexually transmitted infections. — 5th ed., revised. and additional - M.: Business Express, 2021. - 768 p.
- Verma S, Madhu R. The great Indian epidemic of superficial dermatophytosis: An appraisal. Indian J Dermatol 2017;62:227-36.
- Shen JJ, Jemec GBE, Arendrup MC, Saunte DML. Photodynamic therapy treatment of superficial fungal infections: a systematic review. PhotodiagnosisPhotodynTher. 2020;101774. doi:10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101774
Diagnosis of neoplasms in cats
Even if the tumor does not seem dangerous, it is still better to take the animal to see a doctor. To begin, the veterinarian will conduct an external examination and ask clarifying questions:
- When did the tumor appear?
- Has it changed in size?
- Were there any other symptoms of the disease?
- Has the animal been injured or been given injections recently?
Questioning and external examination are not always enough to give the animal the correct diagnosis. This is why the following studies may be required:
- General blood and urine analysis. Helps identify inflammatory processes in the body.
- Bacterial culture. Using a syringe, a sample of the liquid that is in the seal is taken.
- Biopsy. A small piece is cut from the cone and sent for examination.
- Ultrasound. Helps determine the size of the tumor.
- Endoscopy. Used to examine internal organs in case of diagnosing oncology.
Does papilloma always appear under the influence of a virus?
There is a version that the formation of warts is not always associated with the spread of viruses. This assumption sometimes turns out to be correct. Similar tumors can appear in old cats or in animals that have suffered a serious illness - in both cases, the matter is a weakening of the body’s defenses and a decline in immunity. It’s worse when these tumors are initially malignant. Sometimes the root of the problem is of a hereditary nature and lies in the presence of autoimmune diseases, which, according to experienced breeders, is confirmed in practice: papillomas present in parents quite often appear in their offspring.
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Treatment of cones in cats
If the neoplasm is benign and does not cause any concern to the animal, treatment may not be necessary. Sometimes surgery and other medical procedures can cause more harm than the lump itself.
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If an abscess forms, it must be opened, all the pus drained, and the wound treated. Although the owner can do all this himself, it is better to contact a specialist. If even a little pus remains in the wound, or it is not treated correctly, the abscess will reappear. And in the worst case, blood poisoning can occur.
If the lump appears as a result of injury, you can apply cold to the sore spot. This will relieve inflammation. The animal may have to be given painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs for the first time.
If the lump is caused by an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If necessary, the veterinarian may additionally prescribe anti-inflammatory and supportive medications.
In case of a hernia, the internal organs are set back into place, and the animal is given a massage. In some cases, you have to resort to surgery.
When the paraanal glands become inflamed, it is necessary to remove all the fluid accumulated in them. You can give your animal painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
For some types of atypical allergies, as well as for lymphadenitis, the doctor may prescribe hormonal medications. They do not have the best effect on the general condition of the cat’s body, which is why you should not give them to the animal on your own.
Malignant neoplasms are the most life-threatening for cats, but they can also be cured in the early stages. The lump will need to be removed. After this, a course of chemotherapy or radiation will begin. If help is provided in a timely manner, the cat has every chance of a full recovery. If the disease is detected in the final stages, the pet may have to be euthanized.
Diagnostic procedures
If a problem is detected in a cat, you need to contact a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. The specialist will examine the papillomas and find out what other clinical signs are troubling your pet. To make a diagnosis and find out the nature and causes of papillomas, the following diagnostic examinations are required:
The histological method is often used when examining an animal to determine the cause of a given disease.
- test system using immunohistochemical staining;
- histological examination;
- electron microscopy;
- PCR diagnostics.
