My 6 year old cat, Smokey was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma 2 years ago. We had his front leg and corresponding shoulder blade amputated. The lumps began reappearing at the beginning of the year and are now HUGE extending from the originals site on one side of his body to the other. On the side opposite from his surgery he has an open sore which is getting a little more "angry" every day. Should I get some antibiotics for him? He cannot lick it because it is on the back side of the tumor although he can scratch at it. I do not see him scratching it very often, if ever. His appetite is waning, we are giving him grilled tuna and chicken which he seems to enjoy - anything to get him to eat. Any suggestions for keeping him comfortable? Anything I should watch out for?Thank you for your help,Smokey's Mom
Hi there,My name is XXXXX XXXXX X would be happy to help you with your question. I am so sorry to hear that your kitty has been dealing with this issue. The tumors can pop up fast and aggressively.If the tumor has ruptured and is oozing, you definitely want to get into your vet to have it checked and assess the need for antibiotics. You can use a little bit of antibacterial soap to clean out the wound, and then wipe the soap off with a warm, moist paper towel.Alternatively, you could gently clean around the wound with hydrogen peroxide (make sure to wipe with a warm moist paper towel afterward). This stings a little bit, so you might have more success with the soap. Though once they have ruptured, it is unlikely that the sore will heal up and close. You vet may very well recommend removal if that is an option for him. If you think it is causing him any pain or discomfort, you can speak to your vet about Tramadol for pain to help keep him comfortable. They can also talk to you about appetite stimulants and prescription foods that smell a bit better and are easier to digest if you are having trouble getting him to eat. Something like Hills A/D moist food is very soft, and can be microwaved to produce a very strong smell that can entice a cat to eat it.If you have any follow-up questions or concerns, please hit "reply", and I would be glad to continue working with you. Otherwise, I hope this information was useful and that your kitty gets to feeling more comfortable soon.VetTechErin41022.7455710301
Tumor has ruptured? What does that mean?I will call the vet although I don't want to take Smokey out of the house - not sure the trauma is worth it at this point. He did not eat his breakfast of food and tuna. My husband is picking up some turkey baby food for him.I have some hydrogen peroxide wipes that I will use. I also have some royal honey orange glycerine soap that has strong but gentl antibacterial properties.To be frank, I hold some rejection toward my vet for giving him a shot between the shoulder blades in the first place. Not entirely rational, I know, but this is not a rational time for me.Thanks for your help.
I can completely understand your distress over something like that when dealing with such a stressful situation, and a disease in a beloved pet. If you do not trust your current vet, you shouldn't hesitate to contact another vet if you feel he needs attention.Typically, when there is a history of fibrosarcoma, it is more likely that further developing lumps will also be fibrosarcomas (You can read more about fibrosarcomas instigated by vaccines here).When one of these lumps "ruptures", it just means that the pressure of the sarcoma on the skin has caused it to break and allow for the escape of blood and other fluid inside the lump. This can lead to secondary bacterial infections, like you stated as a concern in your original question.Baby food is also a great thing to try if you don't want to go through your vet. Any of the meat-based products (turkey, chicken, beef) are typically well-tolerated (even loved) by cats. Just make sure not to pick up a product with onions or garlic in them, as these are both toxic to kitties.Again, you have my deepest sympathies for what both your cat and your family are going through when dealing with this disease. If there's any further information I can provide, please let me know.