Cat with lumps

[tinab1181]

Hi all. I have had my kitten for a couple months now (he's about five months old now). Just Sunday I noticed a lump on him, above his hind leg. It's not very hard, feels sort of like a muscle flexing and is only noticeable when he's in certain positions. It also seems to be moveable if you rub against it. I made a vet appointment which is coming up this Thursday. Then tonight I found a lump inside his leg towards his abdomen, which is a bit more hard and feels almost as though a bit of intestines are swollen. The lump on the outside does not seem to irritate him. The one on the inside towards his abdomen does however, even though you cannot be sure, because he may just be upset that we hold him down and are feeling around by his groin. Does anyone have any ideas what it could be? I'm starting to get into panic mode and would like some information before the vet appointment, but his symptoms don't seem to fit anything I've looked up on the web. By the way he was neutered about a month ago and he was throwing up a bit last week, but it seemed to be a one time unrelated thing.

Thanks,
Christine

[kate & kobi]

Hi Chrisitine,
I think I'd just wait until your vet appointment, as long as he's not showing any other symptoms. You can also call the vet and describe the symptoms you see to the vet tech, and they will be able to tell you if it's serious or not. If he stops eating, acts lethargic, or if you notice any changes in his litter habits, then I'd try to get him in sooner - but you've done the right thing by making an appointment.
-k

[jason]

the lump on the leg might be a reaction to an injection, is this an injection site? it needs a vet to look at it and possibly prescription to deal with.

the lump on abdomen is troubling to me, i can only suggest to not "fiddle" with it and be sure your vet is aware of this asap. could be alot of different things including an intestinal blockage, but you should notice eating/discharge changes for that. you dont want to apply alot of pressure in that area regardless.

give a call to your vet soon if they are unaware of all symptoms and let us know how the appointment goes.

[Traci]

The lump on outside of leg could be as Jason suggests, a reaction from an injection....which leg was it, and was he vaccinated in that leg? (FELV is given left rear leg, distally.....rabies is given right rear leg, distally)

As for the lump inside the thigh near the abdomen, this could be a lymph node, in which you want your vet to pay special attention to. If both lumps are on the same leg, check carefully for any signs of bite or puncture wounds from possibly another cat or dog.

Call your vet and explain your concern first thing in the morning....he may suggest getting your kitten in sooner than Thursday.

[tinab1181]

Thank you everyone. The vet checked out Gerry and thinks that the bumps are just reactions from his vaccinations. He couldn't really get a good feel of the lump by his groin because Gerry was less than cooperative, but he said to monitor the two and if they don't go away (or get bigger, more sensitive or there is any change in general) to give him a call.

Thanks again,
Christine

[jason]

ok, leg lump sounds like its ok then.

He couldn't really get a good feel of the lump by his groin because Gerry was less than cooperative

kinda surprised by that, but do keep an eye and careful hand on it...keeping in close contact (phone, whatever) with your vet is a sure way to stay on top of issues. perhaps another vet trying to get a better feel is needed...did the vet simply say he couldnt feel it?

let us know how the lumps heal.

[Traci]

Jason is right, you really need to monitor the one especially on inside thigh area, it may be a reactive lymph node. If it gets larger, no matter how fast, don't hesitate at all to get your kitten re-evaluated immediately. Ideally, if this is a lymph reaction, you should monitor his temperature (normal is 101-102.5)....anything significantly above 103 warrants a vet visit. (note, I recommend a digital rectal thermometer as opposed to mercury....you can pick up a digital at any grocery store pharmacy dept)

As for the other lump, IF this is a vaccine reaction, typically it should reside within 30 days, if it does not, get kitten back to your vet for a recheck on it.