My kitten (3m f) has developed swelling between her legs just under the heart. It is extremely painful for her. This happened yesterday after she took her first dose of combination vaccine. I took her to the vet

I'm sorry to hear your kitten is uncomfortable! Swelling and pain in the area you describe could be a few things, especially after a vaccination. It's possible that she is having an allergic reaction or local inflammation from the vaccine. Sometimes, vaccines can cause a mild swelling at the injection site, but since the swelling is more between her legs, it's worth considering other causes.



If the swelling appeared soon after vaccination and is painful, it might be a hematoma, which is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels that can occur after needle injections. Another possibility, though less common, is a hernia, where an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. Both of these conditions could cause the symptoms you're seeing.



At home, ensure she has a quiet and comfortable space to rest. Monitor her for any changes in behavior, appetite, or breathing. Look out for increased swelling, redness, or any discharge, as these might indicate an infection.



It's great you took her to the vet, but if her symptoms worsen or don't improve, she should be evaluated again. Trust your instincts as a pet parent, and consider booking a video consult with Dial A Vet to discuss the next steps and ensure your kitten gets the care she needs.