Kitten with small underarm lump

[stasia]

Hi I'm new here. We adopted two kittens in August. The female became very sick from apparently eating something sharp and after a week of getting better had to be put to sleep. It was quite traumatic. Now I'm obsessed with the little guy, Scooter. He has always sneezed since we got him, always had a dirty nose but has had all his shots and we were told because his eyes are clean that he doesn't have Upper Respiratory. Today though I noticed a small lump under one of his front arms. I'm totally panicked. We can't get in to a vet until next week. He is super playful, never turns down a chance to eat and seems to be totally normal. His ears are pretty dirty but we clean em weekly. Does anyone know what the lump could be? I really need some peace of mind before the weekend.

[Tina B and crew]

Stasia...I wish I had some answers for you...it could be a swollen gland...could be some sort of cyst...having your vet look him over is your best bet. I think as long as he is eating normally and not lethargic or feverish then you are OK to wait to see the vet until next week. Since there is sneezing I'd guess he either has some sort of respiratory infection OR allergies. The dirty ears could be ear mites, especially if they seem to stay dirty. How do you clean them? If you are using a cotton swab I would recommend not...it's too easy to damage the ear with these. I usually leave cleaning and flushing of my cats ears to my vet. Have your vet check for earmites. Hope you get some answers forScooter.

[stacy0w]

Thanks for the reply. The other kitten was fine one day then had a swollen tummy the next. The said it had probably been going on for three weeks before we noticed anything. Her stomach had filled with urine and it was a long stressful battle. That happened about a month and a half ago and needless to say I stress over him quite a lot now. I'm hoping it's nothing but I couldn't help get all worried. Thanks again.

[stacy0w]

I'm dumb. Forgot to add this....we are using q-tips and some ear cleaner they gave us. Because of what you said though we'll try switching over to maybe cotton balls. [/img]

[Tina B and crew]

just wanted to say I'm very sorry about your other kitty...I know how hard it is to lose one

[Traci]

Stacy, if the lump is actually under the arm, it could be a reactive lymph node, which might indicate some sort of infection (or even teething if he is fairly young). You can't wait on this, he needs to be examined immediately. He may also have a fever that is going undetected by you. If a fever is present, an infection is setting in, it will escalate and become serious if not treated immediately.

I strongly suggest testing him for FELV/FIV, getting a CBC done to help pinpoint the source of infection, and watching that lymph node very carefully for signs of further swelling. If there is an underlying serious illness, such as a viral, your vet may need to aspirate the lymph node and confirm it through an outside lab.

It does sound like he is suffering a secondary URI, despite your vet's comments. A dirty nose and sneezing all of the time is not normal for a healthy kitten. As well, the ears need to be cleaned effectively, someone should have showed you how to do that properly (never use q-tips, if you go too far into the ear canal, you could rupture the ear drum). Cotton balls are best, but you have to start with the appropriate ear cleanser, then follow with the appropriate treatment (antibiotic vs earmite treatment, etc)

Don't wait on this, given the multiple symptoms, you can't afford to wait, please get him seen by a new vet immediately.