Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Lesley Frankie on October 30, 2008, 23:06:26 PM

Title: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: Lesley Frankie on October 30, 2008, 23:06:26 PM
I have just found a large lump under the skin on Basil's back. I'm sure it has just happened as I stroke him a lot and would have noticed earlier. It does not hurt him and it moves about under the skin, it's about an inch across. Naturally I will make an appointment with the vet ASAP ( it's late at night now) but I was wondering if anyone here has experienced the same thing? Basil was a stray so we don't know for sure how old he is, we think he's about 3. He seems very well in himself otherwise.
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 30, 2008, 23:14:00 PM
It sounds like a fatty lump, I believe that those are the ones that move.

But only your vet can confirm this and if so I beieve there will be nothing to worry about  :hug:
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: Hippykitty on October 31, 2008, 07:01:11 AM
Polly had a similar problem a few years ago. Naturally, I thought the worst. The lump was too hard to biopsy and I decided to risk the GA (she's old) and have it removed. When the biopsy of the removed lump came back, it was found to be a fibrous lump - probably the result of scarring: a bite or something similar.
When I first felt the lump I wondered if it was a swollen lymph node, but the vet knew it wasn't by feeling it.

Only the vet can tell the difference. If in any doubt, have it removed. Polly seemed much happier without it, even though it was harmless.
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: Janeyk on October 31, 2008, 07:11:28 AM
I can remember our first cat Penny having quite a large lump under her skin on the top of her back, literally it must have come up overnight.  We took her to the vet that day and the vet said it was a cyst.  She said she probably had a fight with another cat and it will have got infected, she hardly went out but the vet said it can come simply from a small bite or scratch.  She cut it open and let out the gunge and I had to open it and bathe it in salt water for a week.  It never once bothered her - looked worse I think!  It could also be a fatty lump sort of thing, Schui has one on his foot, especially common in older cats I think but as others say you'll only know when the vet checks it out, best of luck and let us know. 
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 31, 2008, 08:03:48 AM
Fatty lumps are more common in older cats, so I would get it checked to be on the safe side.
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: Lesley Frankie on October 31, 2008, 08:19:21 AM
Thank you everyone, I am going to call the vet now but it may be early next week before I get an appointment as tomorrow is a holiday here. I will report back as soon as I know anything.  :thanks:
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: Christine (Blip) on October 31, 2008, 09:49:03 AM
Blip has a fatty lump on her flank too.  It just appeared one day, it doesn't hurt her and it moves about.

Let us know what your vet says.
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: Lesley Frankie on October 31, 2008, 10:38:04 AM
The appointment is for 8.30 on Monday so I'll let you know what the vet says, assuming my French is up to it :-:
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin - update
Post by: Lesley Frankie on November 03, 2008, 08:06:32 AM
Over the weekend, the lump under Basil's skin has become much smaller so , I have cancelled the vet's appointment this morning and I will continue to monitor it in the hopes it disappears. Naturally, if it gets worse, Basil will be taken to the vet. Thanks again for your advice. :thanks:
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: Janeyk on November 04, 2008, 07:39:05 AM
that's good news  :)
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 04, 2008, 17:15:28 PM
Not necessarily Desley, Charlie has one and he is 21 months ish
Title: Re: Basil has large lump under his skin
Post by: swampmaxmum on November 04, 2008, 17:44:36 PM
don't be freaked out by the french for "lump" which is une tumeur - it means any kind of lump. Got to be good news that it's smaller and hope it's soon gone altogether. My Max got his first fatty lump at 3 and he still has a big one on his tum that he developed last year at 14 yrs old. The vets in France and here both said just watch to see if it gets bigger.