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Question

My cat has a lump a little smaller than a dime on her right shoulder blade. I noticed it a little over a month ago while I was combing her and it has grown. It is definitely under the skin, moves easily, irregular shape, but when I first found it it seemed more regular in shape. The skin covering the area appears normal, doesn't feel inflamed, hot etc., but she gets mad when I try to look at it for a long time. She is 12 yrs, and an indoor cat, we have no other pets. It couldn't be from a vaccination b/c our previous vet (we moved states) discouraged multiple vaccinations after kittenhood for indoor cats. I got her an appt. with the vet for next week, but we just moved so it's brand new vet and I would like to know some possibilities before we go in. Not to mention, she's the most affectionate little calico and a beloved member of our family, I want to be prepared before the visit for what the vet might say and, whether I should avoid taking my daughter if it's going to be bad news.

Submitted: 88 days and 1 hours ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $30
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Pet's Sex: Female
Pet's Age: 12

Already Tried:

Accepted Answer

Hello,
I am sorry to hear about your concern.
I wouldn't say you have to jump to any conclusions just yet at that visit.
Depending on appearance, and more importantly, palpation, the vet may recommend "starting with" doing a simple fine-needle aspirate test of the nodule/growth

A fine-needle aspirate test is performed usually without anesthesia and is very quick. Your veterinarian takes a few needle samples from the lump (the needle is no larger than the needle used to give vaccines). The sample is smeared on to microscope slides and submitted to the laboratory. It is not always as definitive as a biopsy (this is a full tissue sample), but often it can yield enough information to determine if it is anything to be worried.
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/cytology-in-dogs/page1.aspx
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/fine-needle-aspiration/page1.aspx

In addition, the vet SHOULD recommend some wellness testing at this age. Generally, the includes a basic blood and urine test for an overall health assessment.

Hope that helps
Good Luck
Dr. Andy

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Expert: DrAndy
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 8/27/2009

Veterinarian

UC Davis graduate, 2003, canine and feline emphasis, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics

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