The cat has bumps on its stomach: Causes, prognosis, treatment

Lumps in cats always indicate the presence of pathology. Of course, if we are not talking about bruises, injuries and mechanical impacts. If your cat has not been exposed to the above factors, then, most likely, the bumps indicate the presence of a tumor in your pet.

Cones can be in large or small quantities, of different sizes and locations. If you find lumps on your cat, you should immediately show the animal to a veterinarian, since delaying such pathologies is very dangerous; untimely treatment may be ineffective and the animal will simply die.

A cat has a lump on its stomach: Causes

The appearance of lumps (nodules, lumps) on the abdomen can be due to many reasons:

• Tumors of the mammary glands . The most common problem in middle-aged and older cats.
• Neoplasms of a different nature . These can be lipomas, fibromas, mastocytomas, etc.
• Nipple hyperplasia . More common among sphinxes.
• Mastitis . The problem mainly affects lactating cats or older, unneutered animals.
• Abscess . It can occur in both males and females. It is especially common in free-ranging animals.
• Allergic reaction . Contact allergies, insect bites, and snake bites may be accompanied by the appearance of bumps on the body, including in the abdominal area.
• Consolidation in the suture area after surgery . Occurs due to a reaction to the suture material or inflammation.

Let's talk about this topic in more detail. Right in this article, a professional veterinarian will advise you for free (read what he says about worms in cats). The material offers medications that can be purchased at any pharmacy for animals.

Find out all the details of treating your pet for cones below.

Causes

This phenomenon, which often frightens inexperienced cat owners, is called a trichobezoar in veterinary medicine. The term literally means "stomach stone made of wool." All cats develop a dense hairball. The mechanism of its appearance is as follows.

A cat's tongue can be called a kind of grater, since on its surface there are many papillae that resemble hard “hooks” that comb the fur when washing.

During the licking process, individual hairs remain on the tongue, which the pet spits out, but a small amount of hair is still swallowed and enters the esophagus.

After some time, most of the swallowed hairs will pass through the gastrointestinal tract along with the feces. The remaining hairs will gradually accumulate in the stomach and form trichobezoars, which are subsequently belched by the cat.

This is a normal physiological process. A health hazard occurs only when the lump becomes too large and cannot come out naturally. This leads to obstruction in the small intestine, and then surgical intervention becomes the only way to help the animal.

The risk of trichobezoar formation from increased hair loss increases in the following cases:

• intense shedding;
• impaired metabolism;
• hormonal diseases;
• improper unbalanced diet;
• stress;
• vitamin deficiency;
• decreased gastrointestinal motility;
• frequent licking due to parasite infestation.

Street cats or pets that are allowed out for a walk solve this not very pleasant problem in a natural way.

Stomach cleansing grass, mainly wheatgrass, helps them regurgitate accumulated fur. Domestic cats often lack access to medicinal herbs.

Bleeding lump on a cat's stomach: Treatment

In the case of an abscess that has opened, the owner may notice blood and pus on the fur in the animal’s habitat. The condition may also be accompanied by fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

In this situation, the veterinarian will perform surgical treatment of the wound under general anesthesia. A drainage tube may be placed to flush out the abscess cavity. Before giving anesthesia, it will be recommended to conduct blood tests and a screening ultrasound examination of the heart.

It will be recommended to wash the wound, most often with saline solution, Chlorhexidine or Betadine . It may be necessary to add Levomekol . And of course, it is necessary to prescribe a systemic antibiotic in the form of tablets or injections. The prognosis, if you go to the clinic in a timely manner, is favorable.

If the cause is a tumor that has opened, then the prognosis varies from cautious to unfavorable. A bleeding tumor is a bad sign, indirectly indicating the duration of the process and the possible malignant nature of the tumor.

Necessary medications

To decide what treatment is required, surgery or chemotherapy, diagnostics are required:

1. Donating blood for clinical and biochemical analysis . In addition to the neoplasm, there may be concomitant pathologies, for example, liver and kidney diseases. Based on the results, the doctor will decide whether such a patient can be given anesthesia, and if so, what kind.
2. Screening ultrasound of the heart . Necessary for the same reasons as blood.
3. Cytological examination of the neoplasm . To clarify the nature of the process. The method does not give a 100% result, but it is necessary to make the right decision.
4. Survey x-ray of the chest cavity in four projections . To exclude metastasis of a mammary gland tumor to the lungs. This organ is the first target of metastases.
5. Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity . Used to assess the structural condition of internal organs and detect/exclude other neoplasms.
6. CT scan . A more effective, but expensive way to exclude metastases in the body.

After all the research has been carried out, the cat owner, together with the doctor, decides on treatment. What are the options? Often the owner is interested in whether it is possible not to conduct research, but to immediately undergo surgery to remove the tumor.

It is possible, but without diagnosis no one can talk about the prognosis, relapse, or whether the animal will undergo surgery. The owner must make the decision independently.

However, if you decide to conduct research, then possible treatment options are presented below:

• If metastases are detected or there are contraindications for anesthesia, then neither surgery nor chemotherapy is performed. In this case, local treatment of the opened neoplasm is used to avoid sepsis or a decision is made on humane euthanasia.
• Based on the results of the studies, they decide whether to do a total mastectomy - the complete removal of a ridge of mammary glands, or to perform a resection of only one package.
• Chemotherapy treatment, if the type of tumor allows it.

After removal of the tumor, it is recommended to send it for histological examination. This is necessary for a more accurate determination of the type of tumor and for further prognosis with the likelihood of relapse.

In the case of tumors not associated with the mammary glands, the procedure is the same.

Watch the video: Bumps in cats - Advice from a veterinarian

If a tumor has opened. Interview with a leading oncologist

One of the most common questions that pet owners ask oncologists on our clinic’s forum is the question of what to do if a cat’s tumor is discovered. It is impossible to cover all aspects of this problem in detail in a forum format, so we decided to discuss them with the leading oncologist of the Biocontrol clinic, Candidate of Biological Sciences Alexander Alexandrovich Shimshirt.

— The tumor has opened. What does this mean for a dog and what for a cat?

- If we are talking about a tumor that has opened, it doesn’t matter whether it’s in a cat or a dog - it’s almost always not good. But this is doubly bad for a cat, because cats are very clean animals. By nature, they do not like to leave their scent in the external environment.

When a cat develops a tumor, the animal instinctively tries to get rid of this smell by licking itself. Cats have a rough tongue and, accordingly, when the animal begins to perform the standard hygienic procedure of licking, it further injures the tumor. So in a cat the consequences of opening a tumor will develop faster and will be more uncomfortable than in a dog.

— What tumors behave like this, that is, they open up?

— For the most part, if we are talking about cats, these are tumors of the mammary glands. In dogs these are skin tumors. Tumors that are actively opening include tumors of the oral cavity and mucous membranes. Tumors can open in the oral cavity when they are actively growing or due to mechanical trauma when eating food.

- Is it all cancer?

- Most often it is just cancer: epithelial tumors, tumors of the skin, mucous membranes. If mammary gland tumors are large, they begin to adhere to the skin; therefore, either inflammation occurs, or the tumor is mechanically injured by the animal and licks into an ulcer. Or, against the background of actively occurring necrosis processes, a surface defect is formed, which, due to contact with the external environment and the surrounding microflora, begins to become even more inflamed.

— Can any benign neoplasms behave like this?

- Most often not. Because the presence of an ulcer is a sign of either rapid growth or inflammation. And rapid growth and inflammation are signs uncharacteristic of benign tumors.

Another point is that some skin tumors can open and they are considered malignant from the point of view that, having opened, they can, due to the inflammatory component, produce a large amount of inflammation with the elimination of tumor cells in the surrounding tissues, and if the doctor’s attitude is inadequate when removing the tumor relapse may occur in this area. Therefore, they are malignant due to the ability to recur. At the same time, metastasis in a number of skin tumors that have opened, for example, in basal cell carcinoma, which occurs in both cats and dogs, occurs quite slowly and rarely. Therefore, the revealed tumor of the revealed tumor is discord. There are situations when the formation can exist for a long time, for example, a tumor of the hair follicle (sebaceous gland). Then it becomes inflamed, then it opens and the contents of the tumor come out. Then the surface is again covered with scar tissue and then waits until the formation again increases in size and becomes inflamed again.

But in general, it is believed that the fact of inflammation and the presence of ulcers is already a negative sign that requires emergency action: going to the doctor, prescribing antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and in most cases, surgical excision in the near future. Because the presence of an ulcer is a manifestation of inflammation; inflammation is a factor in subsequent rapid growth and, as a rule, ulceration, and most often malignant tumors that can metastasize are ulcerated.

— Is it correct to say that opening a tumor is primarily a sign that the owner has neglected his animal? Why did he bring his pet to such a state?

— The question is very difficult. After all, the owners are not doctors and perceive some things in an ordinary format. Well, bump and bump, it doesn’t grow and doesn’t grow. And if the animal also has a lot of hair, then the bump is difficult to notice. Especially in cats, which sometimes do not like active bodily contact and do not often allow their owners to actively examine and feel them. Moreover, tumors of the mammary glands located on the abdomen are most often opened. The animal instinctively protects its stomach, this is how nature instituted it, so that the animal can preserve its life, its internal organs. Therefore, an examination of the abdominal wall by the owner is, let’s say, an unpleasant procedure for a cat.

With a dog, everything is simpler, because dogs are more focused on tactile contact with the owner, they are more willing to allow themselves to be examined. But, of course, a lot depends on the owner. There are very attentive people who find neoplasms of minimal size in their pets, which are difficult for even a doctor to find during an initial examination. Therefore, there is, of course, some truth in the fact that this inattention to the animal exists. But I would not say this categorically.

— When the tumor opens, what to do about it?

— First of all, if it is not possible to show your pet to a doctor, you need to carry out the usual standard hygienic treatment of the tumor. If there is fur in this area, you should try to shave or clip it. Then evaluate the nature of the expiration. If this discharge is bloody, and the blood clots after some time on the surface, then this is active bleeding - you need to see a doctor urgently. If this is bloody discharge, then you have the opportunity to choose a convenient time to see a doctor. But, of course, without delaying the visit for long.

The owner's arsenal should include standard antiseptic solutions that are used to treat the skin. For mucous membranes it is better to use solutions of chlorhexidine 0.05%, miramistin, furatsilin. After treatment, it is advisable to put on a protective bandage, a bandage and a protective collar for the animal, especially if the animal tries to lick the wound.

— So you have now listed the preparatory measures in order to deliver the animal to the clinic? Why can’t you help an animal at home yourself, without going to a doctor? The fact is that there are a lot of topics and forums on the Internet where people advise each other how to treat these tumors: Vishnevsky ointment, various lotions and poultices, and so on.

— If we are talking about a tumor and not an abscess, then the use of ointments that have a warming effect can lead to the inflammation becoming even greater. There will be more blood flow, the tumor will grow faster and, of course, in an indirect way, but a more active spread of the malignant process may occur. With an actively growing tumor, such a sad scenario is possible. Therefore, self-medication usually ends in serious problems.

If we are talking about a malignant process, then it is necessary to consult a veterinarian and, best of all, with a certain specialization. This should be either a surgeon or an oncologist, that is, a specialist who can adequately advise how to behave in this situation. The doctor will be able to perform surgical treatment, recommend surgery and some additional therapy: antibiotic therapy, for example, until the issue of surgical removal of the opened lesion is resolved in the animal. Because for the most part, revealed tumors require surgical removal, and as soon as possible.

— What are the features of operations to remove such tumors?

“First of all, such formations should not be enucleated, that is, only the tumor itself should not be removed. According to the rules of oncological surgery, they must be removed, taking into account the surrounding tissues, taking into account their anatomical location, taking into account the blood and lymph circulation in this area. This means that it is better to contact a qualified oncologist or surgeon to ensure that this formation is excised correctly and to reduce the likelihood of relapse and further spread of the tumor.

Surgical intervention for tumors in animals is not considered in terms of simple surgical excision alone. Such important points are assessed as, firstly, whether this excision will improve the quality of life of the animal, and secondly, whether the animal will continue to live adequately, whether it will be mobile after the operation and how long the rehabilitation period will be. All these points are taken into account by the oncologist surgeon. If he considers the intervention appropriate, if there is a possibility that this intervention will be successful, it is carried out. If this intervention is crippling, if it does not improve the quality of life of the animal, or if the prognosis is unfavorable, then there is no question of surgery.

— What to do if it is not advisable to perform the operation or it is simply too late? For example, due to age, general condition of the patient, presence of metastases?

— If, based on objective data, a decision is made that it is impossible to improve the patient’s quality of life with surgical intervention, then palliative therapy is possible. Most often, it involves the choice of local treatments, antibiotic therapy, and a course of anti-inflammatory drugs. Regular monitoring of the animal's condition is also important. No one gives up on such patients. If they cannot be helped surgically, then it is possible to at least alleviate their condition. Clinical cases are very different.

— Recovery of the animal after surgery. How is this period going?

— It all depends on the volume of the operation. If we are talking about the removal of large tumors, then sometimes plastic surgery is required, and it even happens that this reconstructive surgery takes place in several stages. Of course, the recovery period can be long.

— And another question, most likely rhetorical. What to do to never encounter such a situation as opening a tumor?

— Speaking rhetorically, I must say that, unfortunately, over time no one becomes younger and healthier. And neoplasms, as a rule, do not tend to decrease, but tend to increase. Therefore, all pets, and especially older dogs and cats, require regular examination in the format of medical examination.

Any neoplasm, especially in an older animal, must be treated carefully. It is imperative to find out what the nature of the formation is in order to develop an approach and tactics on how to deal with it in a particular scenario. The earlier a problem is detected, the higher the likelihood of its solution. This will not only save the life and health of the pet, but will also save time and money for its owner.

The cat has bumps on its stomach: Other nuances

Let's talk in more detail about treatment when a lump on a cat's stomach is associated with other reasons.

When an allergic reaction occurs, as a rule, lumps are also present on other parts of the body and are accompanied by itching. To determine the cause and prescribe treatment, you must contact a veterinary dermatologist.

Nipple hyperplasia either resolves on its own or undergoes cosmetic surgery. To exclude a malignant process, histological examination of the removed tissue is recommended.

Mastitis usually requires systemic anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy. If there is no need for lactation, but there is milk, cabergoline ( Galastop , Laktostop ) is prescribed.

If after abdominal surgery you notice a lump in the suture area, it is better to consult your doctor. Usually this is simply the body's reaction to the suture material. But it’s still worth playing it safe and excluding thread rejection and the inflammatory process.

To enlarge the picture, click on it

What to do at home

If you notice that the cat is trying to induce vomiting and at the same time other alarming signs are observed, you should give the pet a special paste for removing hair. They are sold in veterinary pharmacies and promote the effective and painless removal of trichobezoars naturally.

Malt pastes contain coarse fiber, which, passing through the intestines and not being digested, takes with it everything “extra”. In addition, the composition contains oils and other useful elements. To increase efficiency, veterinarians also advise adding vegetable oil to them.

Such preparations have a pleasant taste, so giving them to your cat will not be difficult. If the fluffy refuses, you can mix the paste into the food and smear it on the paws and face.

An alternative to pastes are special tablets, oil pads and treats. If these remedies do not help, you need to contact a veterinary clinic.

Some owners use Vaseline oil to relieve constipation in cats. This cannot be done without a doctor’s prescription and the necessary examination! Firstly, it contributes to intestinal dysfunction, causing hypovitaminosis A, E, K and atony. Secondly, there are a lot of contraindications for which Vaseline oil cannot be used: pregnancy, inflammatory process in the abdominal cavity, intestinal obstruction.

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.

Read other articles about cats on the Guardian of Purity portal. Stay with us!

Quantity

Lipoma

A lump on a cat's stomach may be a common lipoma (subcutaneous fat). This is also a tumor, only benign. She is not life-threatening. Features of lipoma bumps :

• round form;
• quite large sizes;
• soft consistency;
• does not grow rapidly;
• mobile (moves under the skin when pressed, glides easily).

A tumor on the abdomen can cause discomfort to the cat: it itches or interferes with movement. Especially if it is large. In such cases, the lipoma is removed surgically. If the lump is relatively small and does not bother the cat, they try not to touch it.

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However, before you calm down, you should make sure that it is a lipoma. It is imperative to show the animal to a veterinarian and undergo an examination to rule out more serious diseases.

Clinical picture

Ileus in cats rarely manifests itself with significant symptoms (especially at an early stage). The owner should be wary if the pet refuses food, vomits, has a bloated stomach, and does not have stool for more than 2 days.

Symptoms of intestinal obstruction in cats have been shown to depend on the location of the blockage. When the small intestine is blocked by feces or foreign bodies, they are as follows:

• nausea;
• small discharge of liquid or formed feces (often with blood);
• uncontrollable vomiting.

If the disorder is caused by intussusception, then vomiting occurs simultaneously with diarrhea. The volume of feces is minimal; its consistency resembles redcurrant jelly.

The neoplasms initially partially block the intestines before closing their lumen. This leads to ulceration of its walls, so the stool contains blood (altered or fresh).

In all cases, cats exhibit the following signs of intestinal obstruction:

• deterioration of health;
• increased thirst;
• dyspnea;
• sunken eyes;
• decreased frequency of urination;
• decreased body temperature;
• abdominal pain.

When palpating the abdomen, hard formations can be detected.