Sudden neck swelling

[scienceofcats]

In what seems like a never-ending onslaught of medical problems for Lola, she’s got a new one - a massive swollen area on her neck that for sure wasn’t there last night. It’s like a golf ball is under the skin there. It’s very firm, a little warm, and alarmingly big, especially because she’s already a really small cat.

I’m going to the vet in 20 minutes. In the interim, if you guys have any ideas of what it could be or what I should ask, anything is appreciated... I’m really stressed out.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Since it's come up so quickly could it be an infected bite? Do you have other kitties? Or does she go outside..?

 

[scienceofcats]

She’s indoor only, as are my other cats... I have two other kitties, but they get along great and never bite each other. I guess it could be an insect bite though... hope so, that’s an easier fix if that’s the case

 

[scienceofcats]

Okay, she’s had a fine needle aspirate taken for it, and the material is grossly purulent, so it’s an abscess according to the vet. I’ve asked them to send the sample for analysis anyways just to be sure, but it’s for sure infected.

She’s getting an antibiotic injection that lasts 2 weeks, so that hopefully will clear it up

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Please let us know about Lola, you're right it just never ends just read your post, glad that's all it was, did she say how Lola got this

 

[scienceofcats]

We aren’t 100% sure, but the vet and I think the best guess is probably that it was an infected self-inflicted wound from her scratching her neck. She’s been scratching to try to get past her cone (she can’t) to scratch her healing lesion on her chin.

Yup, never ends. I’m glad it was an abscess and not something more sinister though.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

We aren’t 100% sure, but the vet and I think the best guess is probably that it was an infected self-inflicted wound from her scratching her neck. She’s been scratching to try to get past her cone (she can’t) to scratch her healing lesion on her chin.

Yup, never ends. I’m glad it was an abscess and not something more sinister though.

Most likely that's what it was .

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Awwww poor Lola! sending healing vines to wrap you both in comfort.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

Maybe you need to get some cat booties for her.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I'm sorry to hear of this additional problem but thank goodness it can be treated with antibiotics.
Vines for a quick resolution

 

[scienceofcats]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the kind words

Maybe you need to get some cat booties for her.

Great idea! Didn’t know these were a thing until I googled them just now. I’ll see if there are some good ones on Amazon.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

How is she doing today?

 

[scienceofcats]

How is she doing today?

She seems okay - her mood is pretty good, she’s playful and has energy, and her pre-shot sugar this morning was more normal for her too (11.1 mmol/L, i.e. 200 mg/dL). Oh, and the lesion that was on her chin is nearly cleared up! So hopefully she won’t have to wear the cone for much longer.

Speaking of which, do you guys think I can take her cone off once her chin is healed, or should I leave it on to stop her from scratching the abscess on her neck? I’m inclined to think the cone doesn’t really stop her from scratching her neck, but I’ll take a good look tonight at how much of the abscess the cone covers. Alternatively, I’m thinking about either covering the abscess with some gauze, or putting little cat socks on her back feet if she’ll tolerate them. Thoughts?

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

lol Tolerating socks in the litter box may be an issue. You dont want her to stop using that.

I guess it depends on exactly were the abscess is and where the collar hits her neck.

Please give Lola a from us.