Malignant and benign tumors on a cat’s paw

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When a cat's paw is swollen, it is necessary to find the cause of this pathological phenomenon. Swelling of the paws does not appear on its own, and therefore it is important to provide the animal with the necessary help. The paw swells due to the accumulation of pus, blood or lymph in the intercellular space of its tissues. This phenomenon is caused by diseases or mechanical injuries. Depending on what caused the cat’s paw swelling, the necessary treatment is carried out. The swelling itself will go away only if its cause is a bruise. More often it affects the hind legs.

Types of tumors on the paws of dogs - malignant and benign

Veterinarians distinguish many reasons for the development of tumors on the extremities, but still the main types of tumors on the paws of cats are malignant and benign varieties.

The most dangerous are malignant neoplasms (oncology):

Such tumors are very hard, dense to the touch, and often have a lumpy, uneven surface.

As a rule, cancerous “bumps” are hairless, with only sparse hairs growing on their surface.

A malignant tumor is very difficult to distinguish from healthy tissues. The neoplasm on the cat's paw completely fuses with them; it is impossible to draw clear boundaries.

Ulcers, wounds, and other types of sores often form on the surface. Malignant tumors very often bleed, which is practically not observed in benign tumors.

On palpation, clearly defined pain appears, or the pet experiences an unpleasant sensation. At this point, palpation must be stopped, since any mechanical effect on a malignant tumor is fraught with the formation of metastases.

Benign tumors are characterized by the following:

They are soft to the touch and have a doughy consistency.
Hair usually grows on their surface.
Bleeding is extremely unusual for benign neoplasms.
It is not typical for them to form sores, wounds, cracks, etc.
No pain is detected on palpation.
Many types of benign neoplasms have a kind of “leg”, which makes them resemble large warts.

How to prevent pathologies and maintain health?

Caring owners know that the best solution is to carry out preventive measures on an ongoing basis. They include performing the following rituals:

daily visual inspection of the paws for damage and inflammation
routine visits to the veterinary clinic
treating paws with antiseptics to prevent fungi and bacteria from entering the tissues

With timely initiation of treatment, which involves antibiotic therapy, the animal’s condition can be alleviated and, over time, the furry pet’s lost quality of life can be completely restored.

Other reasons for the development of tumors on the paws

Of course, there are other reasons for the development of tumors on the paws, which have nothing in common with neoplasms of a benign or malignant nature.

Injury

One of the most common causes of swelling on the paws is a bruise. In this case, strong mechanical impact leads to the destruction of some cells. Their contents “spill out” into the intercellular space, as a result of which the tissues swell and traumatic edema develops. Its origin can be guessed by external signs:

Abrasions, scratches and other damage to the skin at the site of injury are visible.
In the first hours, the temperature of the injured area does not differ from the temperature of the surrounding tissues or is slightly increased. Subsequently, due to the contamination of the injury site with pathogenic microflora, the swollen area can become very hot. If the process proceeds aseptically, the swelling becomes cold.
In the first hours after the injury, palpation reveals severe pain, which subsequently (with inflammation) can either intensify or disappear.

As a rule, bruises resolve spontaneously, and the need for veterinary intervention occurs infrequently.

Fracture

An “intensified” version of traumatic edema is edema that develops as a result of a fracture. A fracture causes the formation of a tumor according to the same principle, but its symptoms are more pronounced:

Abrasions, deep scratches and “filled” bruises are also visible.
If the fracture is open, fragments of broken bone can be seen in the thickness of the wound channel. Of course, in this case, heavy bleeding will definitely attract attention.
Traumatic edema during fractures develops quickly, it is very large, and the tissues acquire a doughy consistency. On palpation, very strong pain is felt.

The mechanism of edema

Speaking about the mechanism of edema, first of all, it is worth noting that there are two reasons for the pathological accumulation of fluid in tissues:

Increased pressure in small vessels.
Changes in the amount of proteins in plasma (the liquid component of blood) and increased permeability of vascular walls due to inflammatory processes, toxin poisoning, and disorders of nervous activity.

Moreover, the fluid that accumulates in the tissues can also be different. So, the following can lead to swelling:

Blood;
Lymph;
Pus;

And the swelling itself can be:

Limited (localized), covering small areas, and general (generalized), covering large areas;
Symmetrical and asymmetrical (in this case, for example, the paw may swell).

Tumors by location

It is possible to guess the origin of the tumor based on its location, but this diagnostic method does not always work.

But there are still pathologies that most often appear on the front/hind legs.

On the front paw

Most often, tumors develop on the front paw for the following reasons (taking into account the possibility of the appearance of tumors):

Injuries, including fractures.
It is in the soft tissues of the front paws that splinters are most often found. They can cause both traumatic swelling and abscesses. The latter develop due to pathogenic microflora entering the wound canal. In the latter case, the tissues swell, become hot and thicken. As the abscess matures, it softens.
Possible formation of hematomas. Due to strong impacts or other traumatic influences, blood vessels may be damaged. The blood coming out of them accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue and under the skin. In the first days the swelling is soft, after a few days it thickens and hardens.

On the hind leg

Tumors on the hind leg develop due to:

The hind limbs very often become swollen and swollen in diseases of the heart and kidneys. The swelling is cold and dense.
In addition, swelling of allergic origin often develops in the hind legs.
Sometimes this is how myositis (muscle inflammation) manifests itself. These cases are characterized by severe pain.

All described pathologies can develop with equal probability on all paws.

Between the fingers

A tumor between the fingers is a common consequence of fungal pathologies. Malassezia is especially famous for this. This pathology, caused by yeast, is not typical for cats, but in practice it still occurs. Characterized by the following symptoms:

Strange, lumpy growths appear in the spaces between the fingers.
They are soft and “cheesy” to the touch.
A strange, moldy, musty smell emanates from the paws of a sick animal.

What to do in an emergency?

In case of injury or after surgery, the owner should know how to provide first aid to the pet:

If a cat's hind legs are swollen after anesthesia, and the sore spot is hot when touched, it may be thrombophlebitis. You should lubricate the limb with Troxevasin liniment and take the pet to the veterinary clinic.
If you have tightened your paw with a clamp, you need to loosen it a little so that blood circulation is restored and the swelling goes away.
In case of a bruise, you should apply a cold compress, alternating for 15 minutes, which will help relieve pain and prevent the development of swelling.

The sore limb of the fluffy needs to be secured with a bandage.
For fractures and dislocations, the algorithm for assistance is as follows:

Provide rest to the limbs and limit the cat’s mobility.
Apply a cold compress.
Secure the paw with planks, making a soft spacer between the skin and the clamp.
Apply a bandage, not too tight.

Drug treatment of tumors

Veterinarians practice drug treatment of tumors in the following cases:

Abscesses. They are opened (i.e., surgery is still necessary), the cavity is washed with 3% hydrogen peroxide, and filled with streptocide or other antiseptic powder. Sometimes drainage installation is required. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed.

Some types of arthritis, arthrosis. Chondroprotectors are prescribed (Hip and Joint Extra Nutri-Vet, Dolfos ArthroFos, Chondroitin complex and others), as well as anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.

Fungal pathologies. Antifungal drugs are used (Itraconazole, antibiotics from the griseofulvin group, Yam ointment and others).

Surgical removal of the tumor

In more severe cases, surgical removal of the tumor is used:

Serious arthritis and arthrosis. Dead tissue is excised and, in ideal cases, joint replacement implants are installed.

Malignant and benign tumors. They are cut out, trying (especially in the case of cancer) to capture as much adjacent tissue as possible. In addition, chemotherapy drugs are prescribed for cancer.
Hematomas. They are opened, the cavity is washed with hydrogen peroxide and filled with antiseptic powder.

Elbow dysplasia

This disease occurs in both young and old cats. Unfortunately, purebred animals are especially susceptible to it. Cattery owners often use this method of breeding expensive cats as inbreeding. In this case, kittens are born with pronounced breed characteristics. However, inbreeding significantly increases the risk of offspring developing hereditary diseases. One of these ailments is elbow dysplasia.

Signs of this disease can appear in a pet at a very early age. However, lameness in a cat with this problem becomes most noticeable at 2-3 years of age. Of course, such animals should not be allowed to breed. Also, the cat should definitely be taken to the veterinarian.

Like arthrosis, it is unlikely that it will be possible to cure dysplasia in a pet. However, the doctor will still choose a treatment regimen that will make the cat’s life more comfortable. The main symptoms of this disease in cats, in addition to lameness, are:

crunching sounds when moving;
X-shaped curvature of the limbs;
stiffness of movement when standing up.

Possible postoperative complications

Let us note that many possible postoperative complications are possible only in case of serious violations of the rules of asepsis and antisepsis, as well as in case of non-compliance with the rules of care for the operated animal. We are talking about the development of postoperative inflammation, which is fraught with sepsis and even the death of the pet.

When cancerous tumors are removed, the consequences are much more serious - metastasis of the neoplasm with the subsequent appearance of new tumors in other organs and tissues of the cat's body. To avoid this, chemotherapy is given.

Frequently asked questions

How to get rid of a hematoma using traditional methods?

Folk remedies only help with minor and non-dangerous superficial damage. To speed up resorption, you can apply a compress of mashed cabbage leaves, bodyagu mixed with Vaseline, or tampons soaked in a mummy solution to the bruise. For deep or extensive injuries, you should consult a doctor.

Why is a hematoma dangerous?

The greatest danger to health, and sometimes to life, are hematomas that form deep in the tissues, inside organs or joints. Large hemorrhage is dangerous due to the possible development of infection, inflammation and suppuration. If the joint is damaged, bursitis, synovitis or hemarthrosis may develop, resulting in disability. Blood in the peritoneal cavity leads to peritonitis. Brain hematomas lead to dysfunction of this organ with serious consequences in the form of deterioration of cognitive functions, paralysis of body parts, etc.

How to treat a hematoma in the first hours after injury?

Immediately after a bruise, it is necessary to provide first aid to the victim: apply ice to the injured area, then tightly bandage the injured limb to block the flow of blood into the tissue. The dressing should not remain on for more than two hours. During this time, it is necessary to get to the emergency room, where the patient will receive the necessary professional help.