Strange bump on cat's back

[Asdf]

Hey everyone,

I did quite a few searches (Google) but came up cold. I just found a really odd looking bump on my cat's back, close to her tail. It kind of resembles a keloid, but I don't think cats get those(?). The fur is thinning out and there are a few little scratches here and there due to fleas (still fighting that battle) but this bump has really got me worried.

I took a picture of it, here's a link:
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7623/1002939tg3.jpg

Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!

[Tambrey]

It looks like it is most likely a cuterebra and will need to be removed by a veterinarian...
However, I am not a vet so not 100% sure on anything, as it is difficult to diagnose over the internet...

please get your kitty to the vet ASAP....he i=or she is the only one that firmly diagnose the lesion and properly care for it...

as for fleas...NO OTC products EVER.....please only use Frontline or Advantage again from YOUR VET...
I have personally seen cats in near fatal convulsions due to the owners having used OTC flea products on them...they DID surprisingly survive...even the vet was totally shocked that he was able to pull them through...but the cats suffered extremely for 2-3 days...

and please make sure you are keeping your kitty INDOOR ONLY!

[Traci]

A cuterebra is a strong possibility, as is abcess or even a tumor. You need to get your kitty to a vet RIGHT THIS MINUTE. If this is a cuterebra, do NOT attempt to remove it yourself, because this can cause a toxic reaction in your cat , only a qualifed VET must remove this safely and treat the wound effectively!! It must be removed immediately because they can migrate and cause significant damage!

While at the vet, discuss proper flea control, ask for only Advantage for Cats or Frontline for Cats, these are the safest, most effective for cats. NO over-the-counter flea products ever! If you allow your kitty outdoors, you are continually putting her at risk for fleas, this possible cutrerebra and other outdoor hazards as Tambrey mentions (please read the link she provided).

To a VET, IMMEDIATELY!!

[Asdf]

Thanks so much for the response, I will get her to the vet ASAP! Also, thank you for the information OTC products. Upon doing research on what to do for the fleas, I came up with quite a few horror stories about Hartz in particular.
Thanks again!

[Traci]

You do mean you're getting her in TODAY, right?

[mamabear]

Cant add anything except hope you got to vet today.

Oh WHAT A GREAT PICTURE YOU TOOK!!! That really shows well.

[Asdf]

She has an appointment tomorrow at three; after class and when I (thankfully) have no work. Thanks for the responses! Hopefully we get this and the flea nightmare straightened out.
Thanks again!

[Asdf]

Hello again!
Just got back from the vet. The bump turned out to be a sebaceous cyst. She told me to put a little bit of Preparation H if I wanted to help it go down and if it grows, to go back. She also gave me Frontline for the fleas and Tresaderm for her ear mites.
Thanks for all of the help and have a great weekend!

[Traci]

If that's a sebaceous cyst, it appears infected, did the vet tell you that?

[Asdf]

No, she just said to keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn't grow. My cat has several skin irritations and the vet told me the cyst was a part of it so taking care of the fleas and ear mites is first. And then if the cyst is still a problem, then she'll remove it.