I have found a red bump inside of my cat's ear, it is semi-soft and feels like a large pimple.
I found it while scratching my cat's head. Scratching it or around it seems to relieve a sort of "itch". Thinking back, my cat has REALLY liked me scratching left for the past couple of months, so the bump might not be new at all.
I took a picture of it:
http://i.minus.com/ibgd2lvP2LYlD1.jpg
Otherwise, my cat behaves normally and hasn't had any significant and abrupt weight loss.
Thank you for your help, I'm sure you can guess I am concerned with my kitty's well-being.
Dr. Marie replied:
Hi and thanks for your question. You've sent an excellent picture of your cat's ear. Of course, I can't make a diagnosis over the Internet. However I can tell you what kinds of things can look like this.
My first thought is that this is not something normal. It does look like something that I would get checked out by your veterinarian. There is a possibility that this is something called a mast cell tumor. It could also be a basal cell tumor. Or there are other types of tumors that can look like this.
Is this something brand-new? Have you just recently noticed it? It's possible that this is a mini abscess. Or it could be the result of an insect sting. It's also possible that it's something very benign like a wart. But from the picture it just looks different than that.
I normally don't jump to advising people to go in right away to get lumps checked, however, this one has me a little worried. It's best to be safe rather than sorry. I would have it checked out next week.
I hope everything is okay!
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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.
Customer reply:
Thank you very much for your answer, I will schedule an appointment with a veterinarian first thing tomorrow.
I don't know if it was noticeable in my other picture, but in this one :
There is a visible "white head" when pinched lightly, the mass looks like it will "pop"
I don't know if this information is helpful at all.
As for how long it has been there, I can't say for sure but I have noticed my cat scratching his ear for a little while, I can't say if it was excessive or not, but frequent ebough that I noticed.
He has also lost a patch of hair on his belly about a year ago although it is regrowing. I can't feel any other bumps.
Dr. Marie replied:
Unfortunately that picture isn't visible to me. Are you able to store it in the same place as the first one?
Customer reply:
I am sorry, wrong link. Here is the right one :
http://i.minus.com/iOgiAd0AYCxa0.jpg
Dr. Marie replied:
That's a good picture. My answer stays the same though. This lump has me worried. I'm hoping it's some type of local reaction to an insect sting, but again it might be something more serious. Please let me know what the vet says.
Customer reply:
Thank you, I will let you know.
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Veterinarian, Dr. Marie created this site to be able to provide quick, accurate veterinary advice online. She would love to help with your pet's problem!
Dr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.
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